ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines what are victim services, barriers to service utilization, issues with service delivery and victim satisfaction, considerations for victims with special needs and who is most likely to access and receive victim services. Few victims actually seek help from victim services despite increasing growth and support for crime victim remedies. Low service utilization has led to a growing body of research examining barriers to victim services. Of some of the most prominent limitations, issues include victims lack of knowledge about services; victims do not want or think they need services; victims lack access to services; victims fear re-victimization and blame by service providers; and victims are not eligible to receive services. Existing victim services are often limited in handling populations with unique needs and circumstances. Although there are extensive forms of needs for victims, the following examples are highlighted: legal challenges with undocumented, refugee and immigrant populations; cultural and linguistic differences; victims with disabilities; and LGBT victims.
