Types of victim programs include victim compensation, offender restitution, victim-witness programs, social service referrals, crisis intervention, victim advocacy, mediation, and crime reduction programs. The programs differ in their goals, sponsorship, and degree of financial independence from government. The programs appear to satisfy official and political needs, but they help few victims. Most evaluations of victim services suggest that they should be independent rather than government-run. These independent, nonprofit organizations can promote victim interests without becoming institutionalized into the formal criminal justice process. 70 references.