Victim Roles

Introductions

In this paper, I will discuss the victim role as it relates to the correctional system.

Discussion

A victim is defined as one who suffers directly or under the threat of harm that is either psychical, financial or psychological because of the direct act or attempt to commit a crime (Schmalleger & Smykla, 2015). This definition is expanded to include even the family members of the criminal. It is important to realize that for a very long time, the rights of the victims or even their opinions have not been considered with most crimes being regarded as offenses against the state rather than the victim. They were treated as means of justice being served by the state through their testimony.

However, since the 1980s major steps have been taken in recognizing the rights of the victims beginning with the 1982 enactment of the Victim and Witness Protection Act (Schmalleger & Smykla, 2015). The act marked the beginning of victim rights being recognized. Consequently, most states have similar acts that establish, protect and enforce the victims’ rights. Most states have a bill of rights that include access to information, treatment with dignity and compassion, and notification of trial proceedings. In addition, all the states now allow the victim statement

In addition, there are intangible losses including the reduced quality of life, fear, pain and suffering of the victims. The cost on society by victimization is also higher including the resources spent by the justice system to identify, prosecute and punish offenders, the social costs due fear of crime such as moving to safer places and altered behavior, the private expenditure by private citizens worried about crime, the insurance claims, the loss of productivity among