Victims of crimes have certain rights, although discovering those rights at the time of victimization can be confusing. As such, this handbook offers valuable information, beginning with the 14 principles that govern the treatment of victims in the criminal justice system. Generally, these principles guarantee that crime victims will be treated with respect and will be informed of pertinent information at all points during the justice process. Next, the handbook discusses coping strategies for dealing with the effects of victimization and focuses on particular circumstances, such as child victims and workplace victimization. The handbook also explicates victim rights in terms of dealing with the media and offers helpful advice in terms of speaking with the media or granting an interview. The legal process is enumerated next, beginning with the crime report, the crime investigation, recording the effects of the crime, the charges, bail, the decision to prosecute, the court process, trial, and guilty pleas and sentencing. The special topics of mental impairment, appeals, and the juvenile justice system are also discussed. The handbook next turns to a discussion of the types of assistance available for victims of crimes, such as court companions, victim impact statements, and the victim register. Compensation to crime victims may also be available directly from the offender through a court order or a civil action, through criminal injuries compensation, household insurance, workers rehabilitation and compensation, or through motor accident vehicle compensation. Agencies offering numerous services to crime victims are listed in the next section and include agencies offering support services, counseling and information, legal services, and security advice. Finally, the handbook presents information on how crime victims can offer feedback or lodge complaints with the criminal justice system on their treatment as victims of crime. Contact information for feedback or complaints is listed for police officers, public prosecutors, judges, magistrates, and other public officials. Audio and Braille versions of this handbook are available. Glossary, victim resources