NCJ Number
208484
Date Published
January 2003
Length
132 pages
Annotation
This report presents findings from a needs assessment study of the current state of crime victims’ services and victims’ needs in the State of Oregon from 2001 to 2002.
Abstract
The Portland State University Regional Research Institute for Human Services conducted an 18-month (July 2001 to December 2002) needs assessment study on the current state of victims’ services and victims’ needs in Oregon. The objectives of the needs assessment were to identify gaps in the current service delivery system, range and quality services, barriers to accessing services, how well crime victims’ rights are implemented, and model national and statewide programs. Key findings were grouped into nine categories and included: (1) consistent and available information--victims and service providers reported not getting enough information in almost every area; (2) immediate and ongoing victim support--the single most important change Oregon can make in its response to victims is in the area of advocacy; (3) offender accountability-victims reported feeling revictimized when offenders were not prosecuted, received plea bargains, or were given lenient sentences; (4) system improvements--victims and service providers called for better, more coordinated ways to serve and support crime victims; (5) service linkages and partnerships--agencies and individuals are partnering more often to provide crime victims with a coordinated response; (6) funding--agencies rely on a variety of funding sources, utilize many volunteers, and employ several outreach methods; (7) financial assistance and compensation--emergency funding is needed for crime-related expenses; (8) laws and policies--victims were frequently critical of the overall criminal justice system with specific concerns about laws and policies, law enforcement, district attorneys, and the courts; and (9) training--victims stated that more training for professionals could improve the overall usefulness of the service system. Appendixes A-F and tables