These policies include government instruction on how to deal with victims of crime; appointment of a committee to work out proposals aimed at strengthening the position of the victim in court; and development of services to help crime victims. The type of support needed by crime victims consists of initial aid in the form of information and advice about legal aspects; practical assistance such as changing locks, going to the police, referrals to specialized agencies for therapeutic or legal aid; and last but not least mediation between the victim and the offender or other agencies such as probation services or insurance companies. The innovative potential of victim programs is apparent, both on the microlevel of individual and aid and on the macrolevel of dealing with social problems involving crime victims. Victim support programs can be seen as providing a form of care that needs special skills. 1 table, 1 figure, and bibliography