The guidelines focus on improving the justice system's responsiveness to victim and witness needs at each processing stage of a criminal case. They are based on the victim's role, needs, and expectations in each part of this process. The guidelines are derived from the victim literature and from surveys of victim assistance projects. The guidelines selected have been documented or recommended in the victim literature and have been implemented in at least one jurisdiction. Guidelines are delineated for criminal justice officials with the following responsibilities: law enforcement, prosecution, judiciary, probation, and parole. One section of this guide distinguishes guidelines for the following special victims: victims of sexual assault, domestic violence victims, survivors of a homicide victim, child victims, elderly victims, physically disabled victims, and victims with developmental disabilities. The concluding section focuses on guidelines for the prevention of victimization and the development of community awareness programs. 34 references