Victim Services

Abstract

During the twentieth century, governments found a need to formalize victim services and provide access to victim justice and general assistance. Encompassing a vast array of assistance, victim services can range from monetary compensation to counseling and law enforcement involvement. The depth of the services depends on the geography, funding, and expertise of the agencies offering the services. International differences in the acceptance of definitions of crime and victimization limit formal victim services to those crimes recognized by governments or governing bodies, making it necessary for the continuation of informal victim services.