Victims and Policy in Canada - The Emergence of the Justice for Victims of Crime Initiative (From From Crime Policy to Victim Policy, P 261-289, 1986, Ezzat A Fattah, ed. - See NCJ-102547)

• NCJ Number: 102561
• Author(s): P Rock
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 29 pages
• Sale Source: St Martin's Press
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

The events surrounding the development of the Justice for Victims Initiative in Canada provide insights into the process of making public policy.

Abstract

The initiative, announced in December 1981, stated that immediate action was needed to stimulate and improve information and support services to victims and that specific measures to aid victims should be proposed within 1 year. Factors contributing to this initiative were the growing awareness of victim needs in the United States (especially in the 1960's and 1970's) and Irvin Waller's research writings. (Waller is the research director in the Minister of the Solicitor General.) Public reactions to Waller's book on burglary, growing advocacy efforts on behalf of battered and raped women, and meetings provided further stimulus. The Canadian Government's decision in 1981 to require more formalized presentations of agencies' plans was the final factor leading to the formal initiative announcement. 16 references.