Meeting the Needs of Violent Crime Victims

• NCJ Number: 173068
• Author(s): C Rienick; D H Mulmat; S Pennell
• Date Published: 1997
• Length: 287 pages
• Grant Number(s): 92-IJ-CX-K025
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored

Annotation

The availability and effectiveness of current services to victims of violent crimes were studied by means of surveys and interviews of victims, service providers, and police officers, as well as a literature review.

Abstract

The research also sought to determine the needs of violent crime victims, the level of service use by different segments of the population, levels of coping ability across victims, and factors related to victim satisfaction with the criminal justice system. Results revealed that certain segments of the population are more likely to receive services than others and that reactions to victimization vary. In addition, while having a network of family and friends may be helpful in coping with the incident, more formal assistance may be required in some cases. Victims who receive information regarding case status and feel that their opinions have been heard are more likely than other victims to be satisfied with the criminal justice system. Findings suggested several areas for improvement of service delivery and for future research. Figures; tables; appended instrument, list of service providers surveyed, program descriptions, and table; and 38 references (Author abstract modified)