NCJ Number
138198
Date Published
1988
Length
94 pages
Annotation
The impact of Canada's 1983 sexual assault law, Bill C-127, was examined with respect to victims' experiences with the criminal justice system and related service agencies.
Abstract
Data were gathered from three types of agencies providing victim services: (1) 27 police-based victim/witness assistance programs, (2) 39 rape crisis centers, and (3) 7 hospital-based treatment teams. The survey questionnaires used both open-ended and closed-ended questions. They were completed through personal and telephone interviews and the mail. Results revealed that the majority of agencies believe that victim services have improved, although a strong minority believe that services have remained the same. However, the participants generally did not view the legislation as having a major impact. They also observed little change in victim access to the criminal justice system and service agencies. However, relationships among agencies were viewed positively. Findings suggested that the Canada Department of Justice should take the lead in developing training materials for the criminal justice system, that a national survey should determine public knowledge of the current information, and that a national study determine sentencing changes resulting from the law. Tables, list of related reports, and 104 references