NCJ Number
85719
Date Published
1981
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This article assesses the emerging interest in victim assistance and the potential for arriving at service delivery policies and programs that meet victims' needs.
Abstract
The issue of victim assistance has only recently come to public attention, and little empirical research is extant on victim programming. Furthermore, currently available services are channeled through criminal justice agencies that view the victim from their perspective (i.e., as witnesses and not as clients needing special attention). Agency indifference and unresponsiveness may be especially damaging to victims of violence, who have sustained injury, who may be in a state of self-doubt, and who immediately require a whole-hearted, empathetic response. Given the past neglect and some initial public apathy, it may be necessary to resort to the formation of an 'iron triangle,' or integrated approach in the hope of compelling some concerted, planned, and thoughtful action in support of victims. The lobby effort is essential, and victims themselves must become involved, despite their reluctance to perpetuate memories of the victimization experience. The most important challenge for victim services in the 1980's is the development of such a network of committed people who can muster public support and develop the services which give victims the help they need, but also motivate the agencies charged with delivering those services. Given the current inadequate state of knowledge about the problems of victims and the effects of victimization, it will also be necessary to build a sound research base from which to structure the development of better victim services. Footnotes and 24 references are given.