NCJ Number
137013
Date Published
1990
Length
66 pages
Annotation
This booklet reviews various issues that pertain to crime victims' rights and services and examines their implications for elderly victims.
Abstract
For each issue associated with victims' rights and services, the issue is defined, its historical background is discussed, its current status is reviewed, and comments on the issue's implications for elderly victims are provided. Following consideration of victims' rights, the booklet considers funding to support victim assistance programs, victim compensation, and restitution. Another issue considered is victim impact statements, which are included in presentence reports to inform courts of the impact of crimes on victims. Other issues pertinent to victim involvement in the processing of their cases include victim participation at key points of the judicial process, protection from intimidation, amendments to bail laws, restriction of victims' address information, the admissibility of hearsay testimony at preliminary hearings, speedy disposition/trial, notification to victims of court schedule changes, secure waiting areas in court settings, and victim attendance at trial. Issues pertinent to victim services include the confidentiality of victim counseling, funding for the treatment of sexual assault victims, employer/creditor intercession, return of property, victim participation in parole hearings, and prohibitions on profits from criminal activity. Appended sources of information