NCJ Number
127907
Journal
International Review of Victimology Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Dated: (1989) Pages: 89-108
Date Published
1989
Length
20 pages
Annotation
In November 1985, the United Nations General Assembly (1985) adopted a charter of victim rights, the "Declaration on the Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power." Governments and international organizations are now faced with the challenge of implementing these principles. The U.N. Declaration and the Recommendations of the Council of Europe propose specific says by which justice and services can be improved.
Abstract
Countries such as Canada, England, France, and the United States are passing legislation. However, even there much more is required. All governments must ensure that the principles are put into practice by the police, in victim support agencies, in mental health approaches, in reparation to victims, and for acceptable participation by the person immediately hurt by crime. Further, the United Nations, governments, and private organizations need to establish commissions to assess the needs of victims, the state of services and justice, and solutions to meet needs better. However, such commissions must have a role in implementation and prevention if communities are going to be safer and "justice is going to open her eyes to victims." 60 references (Author abstract)