ABSTRACT
Th is chapter highlights the history of victim services in the United States from the mid-1970s until the present day. Th e chapter focuses on the major types of services that are available to assist victims of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, and child abuse. Th is is not the totality of individuals who are victimized nor is this representative of the full array of services that are available. Th e next section addresses crisis intervention and counseling options for victims. Th is is followed by a discussion of the roles and responsibilities of the victim advocate as he or she works in the community and with the criminal justice system. Finally, the chapter concludes with victim advocacy coalitions, some major policies addressing victims and victim service provision, and victims’ rights. A fi ne balance was reached in presenting breadth and depth throughout this chapter. To the seasoned practitioner, much is absent. However, to the novice, an array of topics is presented with the intention of whetting one’s appetite to learn more regarding victim services in the United States.
