Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Chapter 10
Chapter 10
Victims of Crime
1. "balance of power",
2. "rules of interaction"
3. "legitimacy of authority"
Within the past twenty years there has been a growing concern within the criminal
justice system and society in general to recognize the needs of victims. Researchers
have also been exploring the victim's role in crime causation theories
There has been a growing victim's rights movement and an increase in the use of
victimization surveys in Canada
Data gleaned from these surveys generally reveal that many crimes are not
reported to the police, the age group most likely to be a victim of crime is 15-
24.
Aboriginals are three times more likely to report violent victimization
The vast majority of Canadians (94%) feel safe from crime
Victim impact statement (VIS) allows victim or family of the victim to inform the
court of emotional and financial consequences of the act of victimization.
The majority of victims who completed statements have greater satisfaction
with the system.
However, there is debate about the use of VIS in courtrooms
Help in rehabilitation by reducing victim feeling of helplessness and
alienation
Therapeutic values to victim
Greatest benefit is psychological recovery
Restitution is a court order that directs an offender to pay a victim of crime for
financial loss or injury. In default of payment a civil court process may be instigated
and the sheriffs can take action on behalf of the victim
Police agencies and the courts are required to provide specific victim services to
assist victims of crime
Current legislation
Bill C-89 created provisions in the criminal code for victims to receive restitution
and to be given the opportunity to complete victim impact statements
Restorative Justice
Victim-offender reconciliation programs (VORPs) have been successful in bringing
the wishes of victim into the inner circle of justice delivery