NCJ Number
15478
Journal
State Government Volume: 47 Issue: 1 Dated: (WINTER 1974) Pages: 9-11
Date Published
1974
Length
3 pages
Annotation
THE JUSTIFICATIONS FOR A VICTIM COMPENSATION PROGRAM, ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCH A PROGRAM, AND THE TYPES OF SERVICES THAT A COMPENSATION PROGRAM COULD PROVIDE ARE REVIEWED.
Abstract
SEVERAL PROGRAMS FOR COMPENSATING PERSONS FOR INJURIES ALREADY EXIST, INCLUDING WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION, SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY, AND COMPULSORY INSURANCE COVERAGE. THE AUTHOR ARGUES THAT SUCH PROGRAMS SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO COVER PERSONS INJURED AS A RESULT OF CRIME. THE AUTHOR NOTES THAT IT IS OFTEN ARGUED THAT SOCIETY OWES IT TO ITS CITIZENS EITHER TO PROTECT THEM OR, IN THE EVENT OF A FAILURE IN SO DOING, TO COMPENSATE THEM FOR THEIR INJURY. TWO ASPECTS OF VICTIM COMPENSATION PROGRAMS ARE DESCRIBED: ACTUAL MONETARY COMPENSATION AND PROVISION OF SERVICES TO THE VICTIM TO EASE THE IMPACT OF THE CRIME. THE AUTHOR SUGGESTS THAT CONSIDERATION BE GIVEN TO ALLOWING MEMBERS OF FAMILIES TO RECOVER AGAINST OTHER FAMILIES, AND THAT REQUIREMENTS OF ACTUAL FINANCIAL NEED BE LOOSENED TO AVOID PUNISHING THOSE WHO HAVE MANAGED TO ESTABLISH SOME SAVINGS. FINALLY, THE AUTHOR CALLS FOR MOBILIZATION OF SUCH SERVICES AS JOB TRAINING AND PLACEMENT, FINANCIAL COUNSELING, AND FOLLOW-UP MEDICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES UNDER A COMPREHENSIVE VICTIM SERVICES PROGRAM.