Abstract
This paper will focus on the Victims of Crime Act and its importance. The historical background of this act is explained in great detail because it is essential for the understanding of the law. The necessary part of the paper is the information about changes to the original policy. Also, this essay describes the legislation of this policy. Scholarly sources on this topic were researched to provide more comprehensive answers. A personal opinion on this subject is also presented. The discussion of this act and how necessary it is for the criminal justice system in The United States is important. It has impacted the country and its citizens.
Victims of Crime Act
It is highly necessary to understand that victims of offense require different kinds of help. Some need financial support and protection, and some require counseling after events that may have damaged the psyches. The government is obligated to assist individuals that are in need of help.
This policy has a long history. First of all, the task force that was created by the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan, described many problems of the criminal justice system in 1982. The primary goal of this unit was to recognize victims of various crimes to provide them with support. It has proposed numerous ideas that would help to solve the situation. Some of those recommendations were used as a core of the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) that was adopted in 1984.
Congress has made several changes to this act since it was established
There have been several amendments to reduce the funding for training. The government made sure that victims of crime can receive public assistance in 1996. It was imperative because it was previously denied most of the time. The funding was reduced after 2000. However, the need for such programs was later recognized, and the annual cap was increased. Several changes were made to the victim’s rights through State legislation.
The legislation was extremely necessary because of numerous protests in 1982
Sufferers of offenses were disappointed by the lack of support from the side of the government. Most states have changed their constitutions, and VOCA was signed this year. Programs that assist victims of crime were introduced with this Act (Davis, Lurigio, & Herman, 2012). The government has provided all the necessary funding. Assistance was essential for those individuals because they felt helpless, and the health and well-being of citizens are paramount for the government of the United States. The establishment of The Crime Victims Fund was critical. Such expenses as funeral costs, medical expenses were compensated to those who have been offended. The difference between the sizes of deposits was huge each year.
Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) is active since 1988. It was created through an amendment to an existing policy. It is one of the divisions of The United States Department of Justice (DOJ). This organization is currently working on the development of methods that should increase the effectiveness of data collection and is making changes to reporting requirements. Nowadays, the government can raise close to $1B each year, thanks to fines to help victims of crime (Waller, 2011). The government plans to increase the funding in 2015 significantly. It will be used to help witnesses, children, and guarantee state compensation. Funds are also used for training and different programs that are necessary to provide victims of crime with the best possible services. The significant stage of the development of the criminal justice system was the passing of the Crime Victims’ Rights Act in 2004. It has expanded the ideas that were established in VOCA. The details about compensations, assistance grants, services to victims are described in Chapter 112 of the United States Code.
In conclusion, the importance of this act cannot be overlooked. It has helped numerous victims and their families. The passing of this policy was necessary because various current laws are based on it. Overall, the legislation was necessary, and the rights of victims of crime were increased through changes to an existing policy.
References
Davis, R., Lurigio, A., & Herman, S. (2012). Victims of crime (4th ed.). Los Angeles, CA: Sage Publications.
Waller, I. (2011). Rights for victims of crime: Rebalancing justice. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.