NCJ Number
93503
Journal
Victimology Volume: 8 Issue: 3-4 Dated: (1983) Pages: 91-101
Date Published
1983
Length
11 pages
Annotation
The author deplores the lack of a developed theoretical basis for victim/witness assistance programs. The absence of clear-cut goal descriptions makes evaluation of such programs difficult, if not impossible.
Abstract
The label 'victim/witness assistance' wrongly combines two conceptually different types of programs: victim services independent of the interests of the criminal justice system, and witness assistance programs geared toward better witness/prosecution cooperation. The combination of both types of programs in one organization leads to unsolvable role conflicts for program staff. As funding for pure victim programs may be difficult to obtain, practical compromise may be necessary. Yet such compromise should be made with a clear goal orientation in mind. (Author abstract)