Rights and expectations of victims

The drug problem is with us with a vengeance. Drugs drag with them all sorts of crimes - from theft to violence, from injuries to rape, from mugging to breaking in. Victims can be either direct or indirect. Indirect victims are members of the victim's family or relatives, close friends or carers.

Victims may be in such a state of shock that they do not seek help and at times do not even expect help. Yet if help is offered they welcome it as if it were life-saving; this is only natural.

When the offender is found out and the police take the matter to court, the victim has no absolute right to be heard in court. It all depends on whether the police want to use the victim as a witness for the prosecution. As such the victim is not bound, nor has he a right, to hear the evidence of witnesses for the prosecution. Victims may learn later of some stories told about them by witnesses. They do not have the means to rebut incorrect or wrong statements that may have been made about them.

Types of crime

There are at least 20 daily reports of victims of crime. Criminal offences range from those on the person, like family abuse such as battering of wives or husbands, children or elderly relatives. It may be violence that is politically inspired, at football playgrounds, bullying at school or in the workplace, drug abuse or alcoholism, breach of public order and peace, consistent swearing and disturbance. There may be bodily harm especially on senior citizens.

There can be cases of crimes against property, such as theft from vans or cars, breaking and entering, pick-pocketing or bag-snatching, shoplifting, theft with violence, damage to property or mugging.

Financial crimes include plastic card theft and fraud, counterfeit money, blackmail and fraud by firms of phantom capitalists.

Sexual crimes include prostitution, indecent assault, rape, corruption of minors, pornography and paedophilia.

Basic principles of justice

The declaration of basic principles of justice for victims of crime and the abuse of power was a resolution approved by the General Assembly of the United Nations on the recommendation of the Seventh Congress on Crime Prevention and Victims of Crime:

* Victims should be treated with compassion and respect for their dignity and are entitled to prompt redress for harm caused.

* Judicial and administrative mechanism should be established and strengthened to enable victims to obtain redress.

* Victims should be informed of their role and the timing and progress of their cases.

* The views and concerns of victims should be presented and considered at appropriate stages of the process.

* Steps should be taken to minimise delay and inconvenience to victims, ensure their privacy and protect them from intimidation and retaliation..

* Offenders should, where appropriate, make restitution to victims or their families or dependants. Where public officials have violated criminal laws, victims should receive restitution from the state.

* When compensation is not fully available from the offender, the state should provide compensation to victims of their families in cases of significant physical or mental injury.

* Victims should receive the necessary material, medical, psychological and social assistance through governmental and voluntary means.

* Police, justice, social service and other personnel concerned should receive training to sensitise them to the needs of victims.

* States should consider incorporating into national law norms proscribing abuses of power, including political and economic power. They should also provide remedies to victims of such abuses, including restitution and compensation.

Victim support scheme

Anyone can become a victim of crime. Victim support schemes offer help when it is most needed.

People react to crime in many ways. Although most people do not suffer long-term harm, both adults and children can be seriously affected.

The following are some comments of victims of crime:

"Since the burglary, no matter how many times we cleaned the flat, it just doesn't feel the same."

"I keep thinking I see this person who attacked me walking down the street towards me."

"I am so worried about going to court and having to face him again."

"We don't know whether we could claim for any kind of insurance or compensation."

"After the Victim Support people contacted me, I feel a lot better. It really mattered that someone took it seriously."

Victim Support is working for victims of crime. Its people provide help when you need it. They provide reassurance and emotional support. They generously provide time to talk about the incident. The dialogue is free and kept confidential. They give practical help on rebuilding one's confidence.