NCJ Number
243885
Date Published
March 1985
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This program brief presents the goal and objectives, critical elements, implementation steps, and evaluation findings for the Victim Assistance Program (VAP), which was developed by the 1982 President's Task Force on Victims of Crime.
Abstract
The VAP's goal is "to improve the treatment of victims of crime by providing victims with the assistance and services necessary to speed their recovery from a criminal act, and to support and aid them as they move through the criminal justice process." In achieving this goal, VAP objectives include increasing the commitment of State and local government in assisting crime victims; expanding the range and accessibility of victim services; increasing victims' opportunities to participate at all critical stages of the criminal justice process; and facilitating the coordination and networking of all appropriate agencies in providing victim services. Critical elements in developing a VAP are assessing existing victim services, defining the program model, identifying sources of victim access, identifying the services to be provided, and developing a standard evaluation, seven States received LEAA (Law Enforcement Assistance Administration) Federal funding to develop statewide victim/witness networks: California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. All of these programs remain active as of the date of this publication (March 1985). Evaluation research evidence for these programs is mixed. It found that fewer than 15 percent of crime victims became involved in the court process. By limiting services mostly to victims/witnesses, many victim needs were not met. The separation of a victim/witness program into two distinct undertakings has proven more effective in achieving criminal justice goals in interaction with victims as witnesses while also achieving more humanitarian treatment of victims who may not be called as witnesses. Source listing for additional information and assistance