Description
Book SynopsisWhen the victims of injustice lose faith in their justice system, the crime they''ve endured cuts only deeper, adding insult to injury. The time has come to face the truth that most victims of crime will not have their needs met and often won''t experience our systems of justice as just. This short book makes its readers experts in advocating rights for victims of crime. It empowers taxpayers, voters and (potential) victims of crime to make the case to rebalance justice and support victims. Written for the millions of victims of crime and their friends and families, it helps to transform an antiquated system of criminal and civil justice into a modern system that is just and fair, shifting from neglect to respect and support. While some laws in the USA and elsewhere do support victims by providing assistance, compensation, and protection from the accused, this book also sheds a harsh light upon their inadequate implementation. Police services must catch crooks but make victims their
Trade ReviewRights for Victims of Crime: Rebalancing Justice focuses on the next steps forward for victims: comprehensive laws, permanent funding, and rights. I encourage anyone who has been a victim of crime in any sense of the word … to read and embrace this book. It is a work that people must hold up to their legislators to demand that victims' issues be urgently addressed through legislation that will change our national agendas. Only then will we see a proper balance of justice in our society. -- Richard Barajas, Chief Justice (ret.), Texas Court of Appeals, El Paso
I applaud this new book. Rights for Victims of Crime makes the case for much greater investments to rebalance justice. It uses the latest in scientific research, best practice across the world, and international human rights norms. Waller has done it again. Though many proposals focus on the USA, there are lessons for every continent. Its pithy style and practical proposals for legislators make it easy to understand. This unique book is essential reading for policy makers, justice professionals and advocates for victims. It is a great achievement. -- Marc Groenhuijsen, director, International Victimology Institute Tilburg and president, World Society of Victimology
Clear, instructive and inspiring - with this short book, Waller provides hope for victims of crime. He has combined his personal commitment and academic skills to make an empowering case for stronger services, reparation and rights for victims of crime - not just in the USA. Read it and let's get our elected representatives to rebalance justice in Canada too. -- Heidi Illingworth, executive director, Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime
Waller exposes the tough rhetoric that has driven responses to victims' needs, and encourages an evidence-based approach. Clearly and concisely, he challenges victim advocates to act in interests of victims. As well as making the case for, he provides a framework to guide, an ambitious, but necessary, programme of victim-centred, criminal-justice reform. -- Michael O'Connell, commissioner for Victims' Rights, South Australia
Waller, a victims' rights expert and former appellate court judge, makes the case that the criminal justice system focuses on perpetrators of crime while neglecting victims. Armed with statistics and studies, he reviews the state of U.S./international victim-support legislation and practice, and outlines eight inalienable rights victims should be entitled to and for which victims' rights organizations must lobby. Waller's action plan aims to take advocates from recognizing the problem to implementing solutions, including enacting legislation, acquiring appropriate levels of funding, and establishing a network of ombudspersons to support victims. Written for crime victims, their families, and advocates, this book provides tools for changing a flawed system. Complete with model legislation, an extensive bibliography, and analysis of positive victim-support initiatives in other countries, this belongs in most criminal justice collections. * Library Journal *
This book makes the case compellingly to rebalance justice for victims of crime. Professor Waller is an icon of international advocacy for victim rights. He uses his knowledge of evidence and international best practice to explain what is needed to bridge the gap between current achievements and international standards. He provides a road map for legislative action and investment that is affordable for any government. He is tough on what must be done but makes it a must and easy read for taxpayers, policy makers and indeed for all. -- Marlene Young, Winner of the Presidential Award for Service to Victims of Crime and Co-Founder of Justice Solutions, National Center for Victims of Crime and the National Victim Assistance Academy
I've often been asked if there is a "good victimology textbook" for advocates, justice professionals and students, and now there is! My great colleague and good friend Dr. Irvin Waller, President of the International Organization of Victim Assistance, has just published Rights for Victims of Crimes. This excellent book addresses our field's history, victims' rights, services and support, and prevention, and includes an "action plan" for the future. You can tell how excited I am about this book, and saying it's a must read is an understatement. -- Anne Seymour, National Crime Victim Advocate, Washington DC
Table of ContentsIntroduction: Reinvigorating the Victims' Rights Movement Chapter 1 Forgotten But Still Here: What About Victims of Crime? Chapter 2 Inalienable Rights for Victims: Europe and North America Proclaim, Japan Delivers Chapter 3 First in Aid: Victims at the Zenith of Law Enforcement Chapter 4 Caring for Victims: Support, Mental Health, and Assistance Chapter 5 Making Good the Loss: Reparation from Offender, State and Civil Suits Chapter 6 Staking Claims: Victims Represented and Heard Chapter 7 Stopping Crime: Victimization Prevention as Return on Investment Chapter 8 The Action Plan: Investment to Rebalance Justice for Victims Appendix I: Draft Model Law to Rebalance Justice by Implementing Effectively Rights for Victims of Crime
