NCJ Number
188188
Journal
Compiler Volume: 17 Issue: 4 Dated: Spring 1998 Pages: 11-14
Date Published
1998
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This paper examines the status and needs of crime-victim services in the rural areas of Illinois.
Abstract
Rural victim service providers are needed to supply the same kinds of victim services that are available in urban areas, but rural agencies must provide services across large geographic areas. The distance between victims and service providers is the most common barrier to services in rural counties. Victim service programs in rural areas also have a difficult time advertising their services. Also, rural areas have less assistance available from established community resources than urban areas. The three most common types of victim service programs in Illinois are those provided by State's attorney's offices, domestic violence victim services, and sexual assault victim services. Each type of agency faces specific obstacles in attempting to serve victims in rural areas. This paper presents examples of such difficulties. Coordination between these providers would facilitate victim awareness and use of victim services in the county. Law enforcement agencies usually come into contact with victims soon after the crime has occurred, and they should make victims aware of all the specialized services available in the county. State's attorney's offices also should provide referrals to a large portion of the victim population. In return, community victim service programs should encourage victims to provide police with information about crimes occurring in the area.