Victims of crime have often been forgotten or faced ‘secondary victimisation’ by the criminal justice system. Should victims of crime be involved in decision making relating to their case? Is this empowering, or will it cause the victim stress and lead to unfair sentencing? The 1985 United Nations (UN) Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power recommends measures to be taken on behalf of victims of crime. This UN Centre for International Crime Prevention Handbook on Justice for Victims covers the use and application of the Declaration. One effective way to address the needs of crime victims is to establish programmes that provide many types of support.
The Handbook is designed as a tool for implementing victim service programmes and for developing victim-sensitive policies in criminal justice agencies. Few nations have implemented the declaration fully, and support services and counselling for victims are widespread in only a minority of countries.
Victimisation has physical, financial, psychological and social impacts. Key findings are that:
- Financial impacts of victimisation may involve replacing property and possessions, installing security measures, health costs, participating in the justice system, counselling, time off work and funeral costs.
- Psychological impacts may involve post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Restorative justice is becoming increasingly popular, and can have a preventative effect. However, there is concern that some restorative approaches may not give sufficient attention to the victim.
- The dignity and healing of victims depends on the respect and assistance extended to them by the professionals and others who come into contact with them.
- The first intervention between the police and the victim is critical to how the victim copes and recovers.
All victim assistance providers and policy makers should understand the impact of victimisation in order to promote the understanding of the need for assistance. Government and community agencies should establish victim service programmes dedicated to providing services to victims. Victim assistance programmes should assist victims to deal with emotional traumas, participate in the criminal justice process, obtain reparation and cope with problems associated with victimisation. Many suggestions are given and key recommendations are that:
- There needs to be a comprehensive strategy that coordinates efforts at all levels. Regional and subregional strategies in a broader international context are useful.
- Victim support services should provide emotional support, direct assistance and information.
- An assessment should be done to determine which services are lacking and what the service priorities are.
- All victims should have access to the justice system and support throughout the judicial process and the justice system should be designed to minimise obstacles that they may face.
- Crisis intervention, counselling, advocacy, support during investigation and prosecution are all important services for victims.
- Support should also be provided for the victim assistance professional.
- Professionals, volunteers and others who come into contact with victims should be trained and sensitised about victim issues, crisis response and violence prevention.
