NCJ Number
127569
Date Published
1988
Length
79 pages
Annotation
Over the past two decades, there has been a growing movement to protect the rights of crime victims, accompanied by an increase in attention paid to victims and their needs by criminologists and researchers. This report reviews findings from recent studies oriented toward victims and reviews reforms being made in South Australia to improve victims' position within the criminal justice system.
Abstract
Some of the topics examined include the impact of different offenses on victims, fear of crime, the role and status of victims within the system, and the need for better information and consultation. The authors suggest that the current emphasis on victims' rights may lead to a more responsible and responsive criminal justice system which will not conflict, as some critics fear, with the rights of accused offenders. Victim surveys have been useful in creating victim profiles and providing valuable information on the incidence and nature of crime in Australia. The physical, mental, and financial effects of crime on victims of violence has been well researched. As noted here, the South Australian government has initiated a wide range of victim-oriented policies including compensation and restitution programs, special facilities for victims of sexual assault, sentencing procedure reforms, and a victims' rights charter. A 2-year study being conducted to assess victims' level of satisfaction with the criminal justice system is summarized. 6 tables, 4 appendixes, and 72 references