The victim movement as legislative policy emerged in 1965 in California with the Nation's first victim compensation program. In the next decade and a half, national and State legislation steadily increased. The victims' legislative movement was most prolific in the 1980's which saw an outpouring of initiatives. Most legislative activity has occurred in the States, providing for victim services, victim participation in the criminal process, attention to special victim groups, the establishment of victim rights, and increased offender sanctions. National legislation reflects the same concerns found in the States, and national legislation has stimulated many State laws. International legislation, primarily through the United Nations, covers crime victim declarations and human rights declarations. Regarding the implementation of victim-witness legislation, critics charge that victim services are understaffed and underfunded, that the rules determining eligibility for victim benefits are too narrow, and that victim programs are among the first to be cut when government revenues decrease. Only a small percentage of victims is being served. Politicians have used the victim cause to argue for eroding defendants' and offenders' rights while diverting public attention from other injustices and power abuses. 28 references