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PARC (Prevention of Crime, Assistance to Victims, Restitution and Community Service, Compensation by the State) - An Integrated Approach to Victimization

NCJ Number
73012
Author(s)
J Vaughn
Date Published
1980
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Using two hypothetical examples that illustrate the differing needs of victims, the article proposes an integrated approach to victimization based on crime prevention, assistance to victims, restitution, and compensation by the State (PARC).
Abstract
The PARC model attempts to integrate existing services, when possible, by shifting the focus from the offender to the victim of crime. To prevent crime, the model would create a special unit that would be part of local police and sheriff departments, would deal specifically with victims and prevent revictimization, and would work with other agencies or organizations to adopt innovative techniques. The model would also provide assistance to victims through the office of the district attorney which would provide direct or referral services. Probation departments would administer restitution, and compensation would be provided by the State in cases where an offender is not apprehended or convicted or where a victim's financial loss is too large for the restitution contract. Implementation of the model would require both an attitudinal change and the development of cooperative, functional linkages between PARC agencies. Specific actions would include institutionalizing training sessions for police, probationers, and prosecutors; developing community awareness of victim-oriented services; coordinating regional or county-level meetings of PARC representatives; and introducing public outreach campaigns to publicize PARC.