Types of Services and Support Available to Victim Witnesses
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (n.d.), fear is one of the major reasons victims do not report crimes. This may include fear of retaliation or fear of getting the offender into trouble. It is not hard to imagine that some of this fear may be lessened if victims have someone to assist them through the important first steps after crimes have been committed. This is when victims’ advocates become so important. These professionals “offer victims information, emotional support, and help finding resources and filling out paperwork.” In some cases, advocates even go to court with victims (National Center for Victims of Crime, 2012). It truly takes a special person to become a victims’ advocate.
Consider the type of characteristics you feel are necessary to be a strong and effective victims’ advocate.
Download the Victim Advocate Job Profile Worksheet located in this module’s Learning Resources. Answer the questions on the worksheet.
Then, in approximately 500 words, describe types of services and supports that are available to victim witnesses.
CRJS 6203: Victimology
Victim Advocate Job Profile
Worksheet
Directions: Research the position of victim advocate and answer the following questions.
What responsibilities does a victim advocate have in a case?
When does a victim advocate become involved in a criminal case? When does the involvement end?
What skills would be important for a victim advocate to possess? Why?
Based on what you have learned about this position, would you be interested in becoming a victim advocate? Why or why not?
Types of Services and Support Available to Victim Witnesses
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Types of Services and Support Available to Victim Witnesses
Victim witnesses comprise individuals affected by crime. In other words, they are people who know that a crime was committed and are likely to be called during the court proceedings or trial to testify. The participation of victim witnesses is crucial in the criminal justice system since they help to determine how a specific crime happened and who was responsible. Victims of crime and witnesses are required to give truthful testimony and cooperate with law enforcers to determine whether the accused person is innocent or guilty. However, victim witnesses might fear sometimes participating during the court proceedings due to the offender’s retaliation. That is the reason victim advocates are there to help those affected by the crime to get appropriate resources, including legal services and emotional support.
A victim advocate refers to a professional who provides emotional and information support for individuals affected by crimes. In particular, the person helps the victims find appropriate resources by reaching out to relevant organizations in social service and criminal justice agencies. Based on the National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC), victim advocates help people affected by crime know what they are supposed to do so that they can get proper assistance. For example, they facilitate filling out crucial paperwork that might be complicated for victims to fill on their own. As such, victim advocates ensure that individuals affected by crime can get the resources they need, including legal services, counseling practices, and trauma cleanup specialists.
There exist various types of services and support that are available to ...