Answer to Question #225972 in English for Madiri

Question

It is important to assist victims of crime, as they are vulnerable and could assist or prevent future crimes through victim empowerment . Victim empowerment does not only benefits the victims, but also the Criminal Justice system (CJS) . Discuss the advantages of victim empowerment for both the victim and the Criminal Justice system ( CJS) . (15)

Answer 1

At its core, crime causes harm to the victim. As a result, by rehabilitating and holding the offender accountable, one of the fundamental goals of the criminal justice system should be to heal the damage caused by the crime and prevent further victimization. However, because the criminal justice system and reform discussions are typically centered on criminals and taxpayers, the needs of individual victims are routinely overlooked. State policymakers empower victims by giving the information and support they need to make their own decisions as they heal from crime, in addition to promoting a criminal justice system that guarantees victims and survivors a day in court. Victims are also included in policies across the criminal justice system to aid in the healing process.

Every state has a crime victim compensation program to help victims by covering expenses that aren't covered by insurance or other programs. Medical bills, funeral services, mental health therapy, lost wages, and crime scene cleanup are some of the financial difficulties linked with crime that can be covered with these payments.

Victims who are willing to participate in the criminal justice process can assist bring closure while also allowing offenders to see the human consequences of their conduct. Many states currently have victim-offender mediation programs or require victim impact statements before imposing a sentence, which offer information regarding the emotional, physical, and financial effects of the crime on the victim and his or her loved ones. Furthermore, several states have included victims' rights amendments in their state constitutions, which explain victims' rights and state that the rights granted to victims are not grounds for dismissing any criminal procedure or setting aside any conviction or penalty. The criminal justice system assists victims in obtaining the resources they require to begin their healing process. We can begin to reconstruct lives impacted by crime by safeguarding crime victims' rights and ensuring they have access to the information they need to heal.

Victims feel empowered and invested in the process when they are given the opportunity to have a safe and mediated conversation with the individual who has wronged them. Victims' needs are recognized and taken into account, giving them a voice in an otherwise faceless system. Victims are given the opportunity to describe how they were wronged, receive answers to their inquiries, and say what the offender should do to make apologies. Victim satisfaction is high when it comes to restorative justice. Many people are able to reclaim what has been taken from them, whether it is money or their sense of security and peace of mind. They're more likely to be able to move on from the experience and resume their normal routine.