A new Whitepaper issued by the Justice Policy Institute examines the role of victims in the criminal justice reform movement. The information in the report was gathered from participants in a roundtable discussion held by JPI on September 10, 2010. Originally the discussion was to be centered on victims of violent crimes, but the participants felt that was not in their best interest, as two-thirds of all crimes are classified as non-violent. The participants further agreed that victims share similarities and needs, whether their crime was violent or not.
The roundtable discussed the two types of victims advocates, community based and system-based. Community based advocates help victims with shelter, counseling, advocacy and other types of services, while system-based advocates walk victims through the legal system and inform them of their rights. The consensus of the group was that these two types of advocates need to work more closely together in order to form a stronger and less divided atmosphere for victims. The participants also felt that most “justice reformers” fail to include victims in their organizations or discussions.
The report discussed how victims of high profile crimes were often sought by lawmakers to advocate for tougher laws. These so-called “de facto representatives” are also highlighted by the media who sensationalize the crimes. Prosecutors and politicians flock to the “de facto representatives” in order to promote their own crime-fighting agendas, and tough laws are enacted, according to the report. These laws are more about punishment, and less about the rehabilitation of criminals, or healing victims. Examples that were given were of juvenile transport laws and sex offender registries.
The lack of diversity was another problem round table participants spoke about. Although young men of color are often victims of crimes their needs are too often ignored. And what any victim needs or wants has never been asked, according to a participant. What may seem surprising to some system-based advocates is that participants felt that the justice system “is disappointing, and often harms both victims and offenders.” This is not to say that system-based services do not provide help to victims throughout the legal process. The report suggested that both community-based and system-based victims advocates should collaborate more.
Language and labeling need to be carefully scrutinized, claim the authors. The terms “victim” and “offender” are words that can apply to a single individual, especially to young men of color. The report adds that “victim” and “offender” should be changed to “harmed/responsible parties” because “harmed/responsible party” are words that “…emphasize(s) an individual’s relationship to an event rather than a label that becomes an identity.” “Rebuilding lives” is also a term that can be used for victims and formerly incarcerated persons reentering their communities.
The roundtable participants advocated for:
A shared desire for improved public safety and reduced victimization
Determining the obligation of people who engage in harmful behavior
Developing human connections to people in prison
A greater focus on youth
The roundtable participants called for better communication between all concerned individuals, and a more comprehensive local investigation into what victims need, want and hope for in the future. The group concluded that services are needed and that models of justice investment must be examined.
To view full report Click here to go to website
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