[ Browse by Service Category : Topics Related to Crime Victim Support (4) ]

Victim Impact Programs

Programs that offer classes which are designed to help offenders accept responsibility for their criminal actions, understand the impact of crime on victims and the community, and refrain from future criminal behaviour. Individual classes may focus on specific types of crimes (generally those involving a personal relationship such as domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse or bullying) or may be intended for a broader range of offenders (e.g., those involved in property crimes, drunk driving, drug-related crimes, robbery, gang violence, sexual assault, homicide). The classes may involve personal presentations by victims of crimes (not specific victims of offenders in attendance but victims in unrelated cases) who describe how their victimization has affected their lives. Parents of incarcerated youth and people who provide services for victims may also participate. Offenders are encouraged to enter into a dialogue with the guest speakers. Victim impact classes have been adapted for both adult and juvenile offenders (the majority being for juveniles) in diversion, probation, prison, pre-release, detention, and parole supervised settings.

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Court Orientation Programs

Programs that provide information for people who will be appearing in court regarding court procedures and what they can expect in their hearings. Included may be information for people who have been charged with an offense, victims of or witnesses to crimes called to testify in court, people involved in civil litigation cases, people representing themselves in court and others involved in legal proceedings. Also included are orientation programs for people involved in mediation, arbitration or other processes for resolving disputes.

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Family Violence Prevention

Programs that attempt to reduce the incidence of child abuse, elder abuse and spouse abuse in family settings through a variety of educational interventions which may focus on children of various ages, parents, people who work with families and/or the community at large.

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Sexual Assault Prevention

Programs that help people who may be vulnerable to rape, molestation or other forms of sexual assault become aware of the general precautions that can be taken to reduce the risk of becoming a victim, and the alternatives for handling the situation should they be approached or attacked.

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Crime Victim/Witness Counselling

Programs that provide emotional support, information and guidance in a variety of settings for individuals and families who are attempting to deal with their fears, their feelings of being violated and other negative aftereffects of being burglarized, robbed, assaulted or otherwise victimized. Also included are programs that provide counselling for people who have been traumatized by witnessing an act of violence.

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Child Abuse Hotlines

Programs that provide immediate assistance for parents who have abused or fear they may abuse their children with the objective of defusing the parent's anger and frustration and ensuring the child's future safety through referrals for ongoing support and treatment. Also included may be services for abused children and concerned others who are in need of advice, guidance and/or emotional support. Hotline staff are generally available via telephone, email, chat and/or text.

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Domestic Violence Hotlines

Programs that provide immediate assistance for women and men who have experienced domestic abuse which may include steps to ensure the person's safety; short-term emotional support; assistance with shelter; legal information and advocacy; referrals for medical treatment; ongoing counselling and/or group support; and other related services. Hotline staff are generally available via telephone, email, chat and/or text.

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Sexual Assault Hotlines

Programs that provide immediate assistance for people who are survivors of rape, incest and other forms of sexual assault which may include steps to ensure the person's safety, short-term emotional support, information regarding the person's rights and alternatives, and referrals and/or accompaniment to resources for medical, legal and emotional needs, advocacy and other related services. Hotline staff are generally available via telephone, email, chat and/or text.

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The above terms and definitions are part of the Taxonomy of Human Services, used here by permission of INFO LINE of Los Angeles.


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