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Crime Victims in the St Louis Region: Their Rights -- Our Responsibilities

NCJ Number
112703
Date Published
1986
Length
66 pages
Annotation
This task force report summarizes the findings of research into the needs of crime victims and the services available to them in the Saint Louis region of Missouri.
Abstract
National statistics from 1981 show that a third of households in the United States are victimized by crime each year. Victims need access to comprehensive services; ongoing information; and to be fully involved in the prosecution, sentencing, probation, and parole process. Crime victims are now receiving some assistance, but challenges remain in the areas of public awareness, financial restitution and compensation, professional education, information to and involvement of victims, service standards, and coordination of services. Counseling and treatment services are inadequate or inaccessible to many victims. Emergency services, including shelters and crisis intervention, are also inadequate. The judicial system does not currently balance the rights of the victims with those of the accused. A model community policy is needed to ensure that the basic rights of victims in such areas as information, legal counsel, reparation, assistance, and justice are observed. Such a policy will require the enactment of State legislation for crime victims and an indepth, regional study of victim needs. Victim support also is needed in the provision of information and referral services, counseling, and crisis and long-term services. Trauma teams should be established to deal with community crisis situations. Finally training and interagency cooperation and coordination need improvement. Supplemental data are appended. Glossary, figures, and 33 endnotes.