NCJ Number
144179
Date Published
1992
Length
95 pages
Annotation
This manual for victims of violent crime in South Carolina is designed to provide them with information to reduce their anxiety about the court system and to offer some tools and skills to cope with the aftermath of victimization.
Abstract
The first chapter discusses emotional reactions to victimization, ways to help a friend or relative who has been victimized, and three "survival strategies," including keeping a healthy mind, keeping a healthy body, and eating well. The chapter on coping with the criminal justice system covers the rights of crime victims, commonly used terms, crime-to-court procedures, tips on testifying, issues unique to child victims and juvenile offenders, the role of the media, and influencing decisions regarding one's case. Posttrial procedures, including appeals hearings, the death penalty, probation, and parole are examined here. A separate chapter on financial assistance discusses South Carolina's Crime Victim's Compensation Fund, restitution, and civil suits. The final chapters cover personal safety and list various other information sources including printed materials and national victims rights and law enforcement organizations, shelters, and programs. 5 appendixes