Answer to Question #139022 in Law for Nelisiwe mpulo

Question

In what ways can victims of crime be better assisted and empowered in the criminal justice system

Answer 1

Victim empowerment refers to various approaches that facilitate unfettered access to several support services to persons who have collectively or individually suffered harm, material loss and trauma through heinous acts of crime, violence, natural disaster or any other socio-economic condition. Victims in a crime can be assisted and empowered trough various ways in a criminal justice system. These approaches include building institutional capabilities to ensure victims are supported appropriately through easy access to various services and implementation of restorative justice approach which seeks to balance between the needs of the community, victim and the wrongdoer. Victims must also be protected during criminal justice process, for example through submission of impact statement during sentencing and providing clear information to victims about the whole process. Victims can also be supported and empowered through referrals to professional support services such as institutions advocating for victim rights, legislative aspects that can address the victim’s compensation, rights and protection, emotional support and financial support.