ABSTRACT

This chapter first explores the range of victims who are considered to have needs deserving of response, and then looks at the relation between needs and services, before turning to examine the ways in which support is offered. Depending on the type of offence and the social and cultural context in which the victim lives, victims can have a variety of needs which they cannot deal with themselves and which require outside support. The relatively few longitudinal studies on the effects of victimisation have shown that the effects of victimisation, for more serious offences, tend to decline over time, though it is rare for victims to reach the baseline they were on before the offence. There are also some specialist support services for victims who are particularly vulnerable. Relevant services and interventions include support and assistance; crime prevention advice; needs for protection; and aid whilst participating in criminal justice.