NCJ Number
202629
Date Published
April 2005
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This document discusses the rights of crime victims and the services provided to them.
Abstract
A majority of States have amended their constitutions to guarantee certain rights for crime victims. Victims have the right to notification of all court proceedings related to the offense; to be reasonably protected from the accused offender; to have input at sentencing (in the form of a victim impact statement); to information about the conviction, sentencing, imprisonment, and release of the offender; and to an order of restitution from the convicted offender. Victims have the right to notice of these rights and to enforce these rights. Thousands of programs that provide services and sanctuary to crime victims exist throughout this country. These programs are within State government agencies and private nonprofit or charitable organizations. They provide two types of services -- compensation and assistance. Crime victim compensation programs reimburse victims of crime occurring within the State (including victims of Federal crimes) for crime-related expenses. Crimes covered include violent crimes such as homicide, rape, drunk driving, domestic violence, and child sexual abuse and neglect. Expenses covered are medical costs, mental health counseling, funeral and burial costs, and lost wages or loss of support. Crime victim assistance programs provide a range of services, including crisis intervention, counseling, emergency shelter, criminal justice advocacy, and emergency transportation. In certain circumstances, entire communities may be eligible to receive assistance for a multiple victimization. Financial support for many of these programs is provided through the Crime Victims Fund. In the past, all Fund dollars have come from offenders convicted of Federal crimes, not from taxpayers. Beginning in fiscal year 2002, deposits into the Fund may come from criminal fines, penalties special assessments, gifts, bequests, and donations from private entities.