Following a discussion of the rationale for developing a victim rights system, specific rights that should be accorded victims and witnesses are listed and explained, including (1) the right to be treated with dignity and compassion, (2) the right to protection from intimidation and harm, (3) the right to be informed about the criminal justice process, (4) the right to counsel, (5) the right to reparations, and (6) the right to due process in criminal court proceedings. The advocacy model proposed essentially involves educating the general public on the issues, and with public support, persuading policymakers to recognize victim rights and implement them through a comprehensive service system. Under the victim rights aspects of the service system, services are recommended for the stages of emergency response, victim stabilization, and resource mobilization. Victim and witness services are suggested for the stages of postarrest, precourt appearance, court appearance, presentence, and postsentence. Guidelines are provided for the provision of services under each stage in the system. A brief description is given of the National Organization for Victim Assistance.