How did the social movements and the rising social consciousness during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s influence the recognition of the needs of crime victims? What were the most salient results of these social movements in terms of resources and assistance for victims?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The civil rights movement during the 1950s and 1960s was the first in modern American history to use civil disobedience to challenge the discrimination that was taking place in society. The movement concerned itself with ending the lack of political and economic power for African Americans and other American minorities. It took on the issues of inequality in education, housing, employment, and the criminal justice system. The movement’s influence on the criminal justice system was of particular significance. During this time, African Americans’ relationship with law enforcement, which was predominately White and male, was very strained. Because of the tension between the two communities, many crime victims would not report their victimizations to the police, limiting their access to needed assistance and justice. For those who did report their victimizations and enter the criminal justice system, the treatment given was notably different to that of White people. This led the movement to challenge law enforcement and the criminal justice system to adopt of more compassionate and humane approach to the problems of those fighting for equality. The movement paved the way for the powerless in society to show that with social action social change is possible. Arguably, the most influential of the movements during the 1960s and 1970s was the women’s movement. It was in this period where many brave women who had personally suffered the effects of sexual abuse and domestic violence, along with feminist groups advocated against the poor treatment they received in society. It was argued that the inequality women experienced in education and in the work place was the result of a patriarchal society. Poor recognition and treatment of women was also seen in the criminal justice system. This led early female victim advocates to set up shelters and counseling centers to assist these victims. Dove tailing off the women’s movement was the children’s movement. Like women, children were often ignored in society, despite crimes such as abuse and neglect occurring throughout history. Just before the turn of the twentieth century, the first high profile case, Mary Ellen Wilson, brought attention to the problem of child abuse and that there were no laws to protect children from abuse and cruelty by parents and guardians. Following the case of Miss Wilson, the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NYSPCC) was created. This society was dedicated entirely to the protection of children. By 1922, there were 300 nongovernmental child protection agencies throughout the United States.