NCJ Number
119230
Journal
School Safety Dated: (Spring 1989) Pages: 26-29
Date Published
1989
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Victims of crime in schools need more and different kinds of support than they are now receiving and would benefit from programs like the Victim Support Program established by the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) in New York City.
Abstract
Data from the 1987-88 school year revealed more than 2,500 incidents against staff members in New York City. They found that the treatment they received after the crime often constituted additional injury and lengthened their recovery period. Victims said they were ignored, left in offices by themselves, asked to fill out confusing forms without help, unaccompanied to emergency rooms, and generally treated as though they were the criminals rather than the victims. Research on victimization shows that victims experience three stages of responses: impact, recoil, and reorganization. These stages may last 6 months to a year or more. The kind of help the victim receives in the event's aftermath can significantly affect an individual's experience of what happens after the assault and the course of recovery. The UFT support program includes individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, referrals to other agencies and services, and, with the help of the School Safety Committee, technical assistance and information. 5 references.