NCJ Number
94121
Date Published
1984
Length
102 pages
Annotation
The Canadian experience in determining the needs of victims and victim service requirements, especially as they have emerged since 1980, are summarized.
Abstract
A 1981 victim survey identified several areas of interest regarding the provision of victim services, including services dealing with the direct crisis from victimization, victim compensation for personal damage incurred as a result of crime, assistance for the victim in locating and using appropriate existing services. Results of a 1983 victim survey are also included, and recent developments in victims services are noted, including a major Federal Government initiative to promote improvements in information and services, considerable research in the field, and legal adjustments to promote the rights of victims. The development of sexual abuse centers, social planning councils, services for abused spouses and for special interest groups such as the elderly, the disabled, and native Canadians, are addressed. The role played by the courts, attorneys, police, and the corrections system in developing and providing victim services are considered, and a number of general trends in the present and possible future state of victim services are identified. The development of self-help centers and of qualified volunteers to deal with victims' needs are among the possibilities explored. Appendixes contain a partial list of studies dealing with national, provincial, and community initiatives in assesing victim and witness needs as well as availability of required services.