The United Nations Victim Approach Revisited: A Review of the Literature on Sexual Assault and Gender-Based Violence Hotlines

Abstract

In 1985, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power, to protect and promote victim rights when navigating the criminal justice system. Today, technology, such as online and telephone hotlines, are changing how victims seek and receive support. Our review of the emerging gender-based violence and sexual assault hotline literature outlines where and how international initiatives can practically address complex experiences that shape how victims of violence (VOV) interact with criminal justice settings. In the literature, we identified common themes that revealed VOV demographics and contextual factors that complicate the implementation of victim-based criminal justice procedures. Our findings reveal that gender, age, and contextual factors, like the length of time before someone discloses their victimization, impact the experience of VOV. Our review suggests that the Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power should be updated to address individuals’ diverse experiences when choosing to report their victimization.