Crime Victims in Australia (From Seventh United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders, Milan, Italy, 1985, P 61-89, Leona Jorgensen and Jack Sandry, eds. - See NCJ-100063)

• NCJ Number: 100066
• Author(s): P N Grabosky
• Date Published: 1985
• Length: 29 pages
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: Australia

Annotation

This paper examines victimization in Australia, identifies at-risk groups, and discusses victims rights and services.

Abstract

A survey of data sources, including victim surveys, vital statistics, and police records is presented that indicates the risk of victimization is distributed very unevenly across demographic and economic groups. Women, children, the elderly, Aboriginals, the unemployed, and persons of low socioeconomic status are disproportionately the victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and other crimes. Specialized services that could be made available to these groups are discussed. The organization of criminal injury compensation programs is outlined and their shortcomings are discussed. It is suggested that too much concern is devoted solely to compensation and too little to victim rehabilitation, counseling, and support services. Suggestions for improvements in the treatment of victims are made with respect to victims' rights, the use of victim impact statements, and the need for planning and and integration of victim support services. The practice of permitting defendants to make unsworn statements is critiqued, and the need to balance concern with the rights of the accused with those of the victim is noted. The unique circumstances of corporate crime and abuse of State authority are briefly discussed, and remedies are suggested. Finally, major priorities for research and victim services are reviewed. 83 references. (Author abstract modified)