NCJ Number
67853
Journal
Judicature Volume: 63 Issue: 10 Dated: (MAY 1980) Pages: 497-500
Date Published
1980
Length
4 pages
Annotation
THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND WISCONSIN'S VICTIM COMPENSATION PROGRAM IS DISCUSSED, AND PROGRAM COVERAGE IS EXAMINED.
Abstract
THE PROGRAM OFFERS ASSISTANCE TO VICTIMS OF CERTAIN CRIMES WHO HAVE SUFFERED LOSSES OF $200 OR MORE FOR WHICH THEY WILL NOT BE REIMBURSED BY ANY OTHER SOURCE. THE MAXIMUM BENEFIT TO ANY VICTIM IS $10,000, BUT NEW LEGISLATION AWAITING THE GOVERNOR'S SIGNATURE WOULD RAISE THAT TO $15,000 AND ELIMINATE THE $200 MINIMUM. THE PROGRAM REIMBURSES A VICTIM FOR MEDICAL EXPENSES, LOST WAGES, AND EVEN BURIAL EXPENSES. TO BE ELIGIBLE, A VICTIM MUST REPORT THE CRIME TO LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS WITHIN 5 DAYS OF THE CRIME, AND MUST FILE CLAIMS WITHIN 2 YEARS OF THE CRIME. GENERALLY, THE AW MAKES THE FOLLOWING PERSONS ELIGIBLE FOR AWARDS: VICTIMS OF BURGLARY, RAPE, BATTERY, RECKLESS CONDUCT, ROBBERY, CHILD ABUSE OR ABANDONMENT, MANSLAUGHTER, KIDNAPPING, AND MURDER. FURTHER, IT PAYS CLAIMS OF 'GOOD SAMARITANS' -- THOSE WHO ARE INJURED TRYING TO CAPTURE THE CRIMINAL, TRYING TO PREVENT THE CRIME, OR TRYING TO AID AN OFFICER IN CAPTURING OR ARRESTING A SUSPECT. EACH LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY AND DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE IN WISCONSIN DISTRIBUTES CLAIM FORMS FOR VICTIMS TO FILE, AND INVESTIGATORS VERIFY THE CLAIMS. ALTHOUGH THE WISCONSIN PROGRAM HAS BEEN VERY SUCCESSFUL, SEVERAL AMENDMENTS HAVE BEEN RECOMMENDED TO THE ORIGINAL LEGISLATION. ONE WOULD ABOLISH THE MINIMUM LOSS STANDARD FOR VICTIMS; ANOTHER WOULD EXPAND THE DEFINITION OF 'VICTIM'. FINALLY, THE NEED TO INFORM THE PUBLIC OF VICTIM COMPENSATION SERVICES IS EMPHASIZED. THREE NOTES ARE INCLUDED.