NCJ Number
56689
Date Published
1977
Length
6 pages
Annotation
THE PROBLEMS CONFRONTED BY VICTIMS AND WITNESSES OF CRIMES ARE DISCUSSED, AND THE RESULTS OF A PILOT PROJECT DESIGNED TO SOLVE THOSE PROBLEMS ARE PRESENTED.
Abstract
WITH FUNDING FROM LEAA, A SERIES OF EIGHT PILOT PROJECTS WAS DEVELOPED IN 1974 TO DISCOVER THE PROBLEMS FACED BY VICTIMS AND WITNESSES OF CRIMES. THE PROJECT WAS ALSO REQUIRED TO DESIGN A PROGRAM THAT WOULD CURTAIL SOME OF THOSE PROBLEMS. PREVIOUS SURVEY RESEARCH INDICATED THAT MANY PERSONS WHO INITIALLY CLAIMED TO BE VICTIMS OF CRIMES, ESPECIALLY INTRAFAMILY CRIMES, LATER REFUSED TO CONTINUE WITH THE CHARGES. FOR PERSONS WHO WERE ANXIOUS TO MAINTAIN THEIR COMPLAINTS THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM APPEARED TO BE INEFFECTIVE AND INEFFICIENT. FIFTY FOUR PERCENT OF THE RESPONDENTS RATED THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE AS BEING FAIR OR WORSE. THE VICTIM WITNESS PROGRAM PROVIDES COUNSELORS TO HELP VICTIMS WITH THE PRESENTATION OF THEIR COMPLAINTS TO THE PROSECUTORS AND ASSISTS WITH THE PROPER IDENTIFICATION OF WITNESSES. AN EXTENSIVE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM IS USED TO REMIND INTERESTED PERSONS OF THEIR COURT DATES. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES ARE PROVIDED FOR ELDERLY PERSONS, AND THE RETURN OF STOLEN PROPERTY HELD AS EVIDENCE IS ARRANGED. COUNSELING SERVICES, INCLUDING PSYCHIATRIC AID, ARE COORDINATED THROUGH THE UNITED WAY SYSTEM. MOST OF THE PERSONNEL INVOLVED IN THE PROGRAM ARE COLLEGE STUDENTS WHO VOLUNTEER THEIR SERVICES. NO REFERENCES ARE PROVIDED. (TWK)