NCJ Number
64083
Journal
Victimology Volume: 4 Issue: 2 Dated: (1979) Pages: 214-228
Date Published
1979
Length
15 pages
Annotation
SINCE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NEW ZEALAND PROGRAM OF CRIME-VICTIM COMPENSATION IN 1963, SUBSTANTIAL PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE TOWARD INCREASING THE AVAILABILITY OF REPARATIONS.
Abstract
NEW ZEALAND'S COMPREHENSIVE GOVERNMENT COMPENSATION PROGRAM WAS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN THE WORLD. IT PROVIDED REIMBURSEMENT OF LOST INCOME AND HOSPITAL, MEDICAL, AND BURIAL EXPENSES OF SPECIFIED CRIMES OF VIOLENCE. AFTER EFFORTS WERE MADE TO BROADEN THE ORIGINAL PROGRAM, THE ENTIRE VICTIM COMPENSATION PROGRAM WAS INCORPORATED INTO NEW ZEALAND'S ACCIDENT COMPENSATION PLAN. THE CONCEPT OF CRIME-VICTIM COMPENSATION WAS RAPIDLY ADOPTED IN MANY OTHER COUNTRIES, INCLUDING GREAT BRITAIN, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, AUSTRIA, DENMARK, FINLAND, FRANCE, AND IN 25 STATES IN THE U.S. THE COMPROMISE VERSION OF THE PROPOSED U.S. VICTIMS OF CRIME ACT WOULD PROVIDE A FEDERAL SUBSIDY OF 25 PERCENT OF THE COSTS OF BENEFITS AWARDED BY STATE PROGRAMS THAT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL STANDARDS. THUS, THIS PROPOSED ACT WILL, IF PASSED, HELP DEVELOP VICTIM COMPENSATION PROGRAMS THROUGHOUT THE U.S. A GOVERNMENT CRIME-VICTIM COMPENSATION PROGRAM IS NEEDED BECAUSE OF THE INADEQUACY OF OTHER REMEDIES SUCH AS SELF-HELP, CIVIL ACTIONS AGAINST THE CRIMINAL, AND INSURANCE. TO EXPAND THE TYPES OF BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO VICTIMS, EFFORTS HAVE BEEN MADE IN SEVERAL DIRECTIONS, SUCH AS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF RESTITUTION PROGRAMS AND VICTIM ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS AND INCREASED PARTICIPATION IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE CRIMINAL LAW, (E.G., NEIGHBORHOOD JUSTICE CENTERS). THE IDEA OF EXPANDING GOVERNMENT COMPENSATION TO BENEFIT VICTIMS OF MISFORTUNES OTHER THAN CRIME HAS MET WITH SOME RESISTANCE, ALTHOUGH NEW ZEALAND HAS ADOPTED SUCH A PROGRAM. IT IS PREDICTED THAT (1) THE NUMBER OF JURISDICTIONS WITH CRIME-VICTIM COMPENSATION PROGRAMS WILL INCREASE, (2) CRIME-VICTIM COMPENSATION PROGRAMS WILL CONTINUE TO REDUCE RESTRICTIONS ON BENEFITS, (3) EFFORTS TOWARD ATTENDING THE NONFINANCIAL NEEDS OF CRIME VICTIMS WILL GROW, AND (4) BENEFITS TO VICTIMS OF MISFORTUNES OTHER THAN CRIME WILL IMPROVE. REFERENCES AND AN APPENDIX LISTING COMPENSATION ACTS PASSED IN VARIOUS COUNTRIES ARE PROVIDED. (PRG)