Problem
Neglect of victims of crime
Experimental visualization of narrower problems
Other Names:
Inadequate assistance to victims of crimeUndue consideration for criminals
Legal bias against complainants of crime
Legal indifference to victims of crime
Legal discrimination in favour of offenders
Prejudicial treatment of plaintiffs in criminal cases
Nature:
In order to protect society, the main emphasis of legal systems traditionally has been upon the detection of crime and the punishment of the offender. More enlightened programmes aim to support the offender in an effort to prevent recidivism. Very little attention, however, has been paid, either by voluntary or by statutory bodies, to assess and supply the needs of the victim of crime. The main role of the victim at law has been as a source of evidence to secure a conviction against the offender, yet he or she may deserve restitution or recompense, and may also require legal, medical, psychiatric or social welfare assistance as a result of the crime. While the problems of victims, or likely victims, may be referred to incidentally, there has as yet been no concerted attempt to bring together and elaborate the measures needed on their behalf and to develop further approaches and techniques designed to improve their plight. International conventions do not presently articulate explicit rights to protection, reparation or justice for victims of crime.
Broader Problems:
Social neglectInequality before the law Narrower Problems:
Disabled victims of crimesInadequate post-riot assistanceInadequate assistance to victims of rapeInadequate assistance to victims of tortureLack of legal protection of extortion victimsInadequate assistance to victims of accidentsEmployment of criminals in policy-making contextsInadequate assistance to victims of abuse of powerInadequate assistance to victims of human rights violations Related Problems:
GriefPositive discrimination Aggravates:
Serial victimizationPunitive public attitudes towards crimeInadequate evidence to convict known offenders Strategies:
Overcoming indifferenceDiscriminating in favour of offendersProviding post-riot assistanceControlling riotsHaving due consideration for criminalsShowing biasAssisting victims of crimesReducing legal discrimination in favour of offenders References:
Karmen, Andrew: Crime Victims: an introduction to victimologyAustern, David: The Crime Victim's HandbookStark, James and Goldstein, Howard: The Rights of Crime VictimsLouis, Harris, et al: Victims of Crime: a research report of experiencing victimization Subject(s):
Development → AssistanceInnovative change → Change
Law → Legality
Societal Problems → Crime
Societal Problems → Deprivation
Societal Problems → Imbalances
Societal Problems → Inadequacy
Societal Problems → Victims
Transportation, Telecommunications → Packaging
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
D: Detailed problems Date of last update
04.10.2020 – 22:48 CEST