NCJ Number
159140
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 10 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1995) Pages: 419-436
Date Published
1995
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This study describes the Federal activity surrounding victims of crime and traces the history of Federal legislation and spending in this area from the Kennedy administration to the Bush administration (1960-1992).
Abstract
The study first describes the bills passed in Congress for these years and then analyzes the Federal funds going to victim- related projects over time. Finally, the article discusses some other factors that influence congressional activity, including public opinion, interest groups, and crime rates. The findings show that the Federal Government's interest in crime victims began in the mid-1960's, but serious activity did not occur until the early 1970's. It was not until the 94th Congress (1975-1976) that any legislation that focused on crime victims was passed. This new law provided death benefits to the families of public safety officials killed while on duty. The following Congress enacted legislation to protect the victims of rape, and a bill concerning the intimidation of victims and witnesses was passed in the 97th Congress (1981-1982). It was not until 1983-84 that a fund was created to provide compensation for crime victims, which was passed as part of the omnibus anticrime bill signed by President Reagan. Reagan also signed laws to protect nontraditional crime victims such as handicapped babies, missing children, and victims of child abuse. Activity that involved the transfer of funds by Congress also shows an increasing concern with crime victims. One the whole, the direct payments to individuals increased, as did the indirect payments to States through the Crime Victims Fund. This shows that Congress was not only acting through legislation, but was also following up on that legislation with program funding. The injuries and losses victims suffer are now recognized in Federal legislation and Federal spending. As a result of these laws, the victim is no longer ignored but has become a valuable part of the justice process. Appended outline of selected Federal victim legislation and 57 references