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Regarding Implementation of the Victim Compensation Law

NCJ Number
89191
Journal
Kriminologisches Journal Volume: 14 Issue: 4 Dated: (1982) Pages: 303-316
Author(s)
B Villmow; S Mueller; B Krieger; B Plemper
Date Published
1982
Length
14 pages
Annotation
An evaluation study underway in West Germany attempts to assess the effects of the 1976 victim compensation law and to determine the reasons for its relatively low utilization.
Abstract
The law provides for compensation of expenses incurred (e.g., medical bills, work disability losses, occupational rehabilitation fees) upon victimization from a violent criminal assault. The study is an exploratory effort, intended to provide descriptive data for further research as well as a model for other implementation studies. It will investigate the victim group and the victimization situations in terms of victims' psychological, physical, and financial needs and of victims' reactions as well as their perceptions of the reactions of others to their victimization. Initial project phases were begun in 1981 and included data gathering from the States on the numbers of compensation requests and the numbers of compensations granted. The number of requests appears low in relation to the incidence of reported violent crimes, while there is a large discrepancy between those requesting victim compensation and those actually receiving it. Explanations for this may be inadequate knowledge about the availability of compensation and victims' unwillingness to admit their victimization. Also noted was lack of uniformity in processing requests and interpreting the provision among the State agencies. The current project phase has examined records of 407 case files of compensation recipients between 1976 and 1981 and will proceed with interviewing a sample of 100 compensated victims. Interviews will also be held with agents involved in case decisionmaking and with victims who are known to have been harmed but have failed to apply for compensation. Tabular data and 62 endnotes are given.