NCJ Number
235837
Editor(s)
Paivi Honkatukia
Date Published
2011
Length
210 pages
Annotation
This study analyses Finland's criminal process from the crime victims' point of view.
Abstract
Results indicate that when experts who were interviewed were asked who they regarded as vulnerable they unanimously viewed violence and sexual violence as seriously wounding experiences which complicate the ability of a person to seek help or report the experience to the authorities. Victims of sexual violence were seen to be in need of support in order to cope in the criminal process. The experts recognized the extent and forms of vulnerability stemming from certain offenses (violence, sexual violence, burglary), life-phases (childhood, youth, old age), societal status (gender, sexuality, social class), or personality features, as well as the history of individuals themselves. In Finland, services for victims that provide mental support were only developed a decade or two later than elsewhere in the western world. Services which target victims in the societal margins are rare. Data are collected from survey responses from 257 victims who have contacted the victims' services in Finland to examine who contacts these services, what kind of support or help is needed, and how those who contact services feel they have been treated by authorities in the criminal process. Additionally, 17 thematic interviews were conducted with experts who represent authorities (police, prosecutor, judge, counselor, social worker, lay judge) and non-governmental organizations that offer services to crime victims to analyze the societal and professional context and meaning related to criminal victimization. Recommendations are detailed.