Who has been given primary responsibility for the implementation of a significant number of the provisions contained in victims’ rights measures? What has resulted from this phenomenon? List three of the common services provided by victim services or advocacy programs.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Local prosecutors have been given primary responsibility for the implementation of a significant
number of the provisions contained in victims’ rights measures. As a result, nearly all prosecuting
attorney offices in the United States maintain some type of victim services or advocacy program. These
programs employ trained victim advocates to work with victims and their families throughout the criminal
justice process. Their primary mission is to ensure that victims are made aware of their rights and are
treated fairly and with respect. While specific services performed by advocates vary by jurisdiction,
common services include the following: keep victims informed about their case status and progress,
accompany a victim to court proceedings and investigative interviews, speak on the victim’s behalf in
court and with other officials, preparing victims for pending court hearings by informing them of
procedures, provide contact information for local resources and counseling referrals, and assist victims in
recovering stolen property and in obtaining restitution or compensation for expenses incurred as a result
of the criminal act.