services and support that are available for crime victims
Introduction
The occurrence of crime tremendously affects the victims both physically and psychologically. Since crime is an unplanned occurrence, victims will always be shocked. The victims will thus require support to adapt with the new situation and find justice with little difficulties. In this regard, support services are crucial for crime victims. Research shows that violent crime victims such as rape and homicide victims require close support. There are numerous agencies in the criminal justice system that provide support services to victims of crime to help them easily navigate through the criminal justice system. Proper support services aide the recovery process of victims fastens the delivery of justice. The following are services and support that are available for crime victims.
- Counselling Services
Numerous foundations in conjunction with the police offer counselling services to crime victims. They give mental support to victims and their families. The victims receive confidential counselling services from professional counsellors. The support includes helping the victims of crime deal with upsetting and difficult situations. In order to help victims to forget traumatic memories, the counselling process incorporates sessions on Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
- Provision of Information
Majority of crime victims are not aware of the processes involved while seeking justice. Victims are entitled to accurate information about the justice process. Information allows victims to understand their rights and to seek services. Victims are informed on the services available to them, the process of contacting officials, and what they need to expect from the criminal justice process. They are also informed on the arrest of offenders, court proceedings, sentencing, appeals, and release or escape of criminals. Victims are updated on court proceedings through emails, phone calls, and during their physical presence in the authority’s offices.
- Court orientation and Preparation
The crime victims together with their witnesses receive orientation sessions about court processes. They are guided on how to find an advocate to represent them in the court. They are properly prepared to undergo the court process. The victims are accompanied by court advocates to the court. The victims receive legal support from the advocates.
- Financial support
Crime victims get financial support to cater for costs that are related to the crime they encountered. When crime occurs, victims might be injured. Thus, they will require finances for treatment. In the unfortunate case that the victim is dead, the family will incur burial costs. Other costs include payment for counselling costs and court process costs. In some states victims receive financial support especially those without health and life insurance. The state compensates the victim for the expenses they incur that are associated with the crime.
- Protection
Victims of crime need protection from the offenders. In some cases, perpetrators of crime will want to punish the victims for reporting them to the authorities. Domestic violence victims are in dire need of protection since the offenders are in most cases family members. The police and the court provide protection services to victims. The court will grant protective orders when it is necessary and the police department is responsible for providing protection. The police are responsible for implementing restriction orders.
Conclusion
In conclusion, victims of crime have access to a variety of services and support. The services and support depends on the type of crime such as violent assaults and domestic violence. Victims of domestic violence receive protection from the criminal justice system while counselling is available to all victims who require it. Finally, the provision of information to victims is the most crucial service for all victims.