Criminology: Annotated Bibliography Annotated Bibliography

Victimology

Annotated Bibliography

Campbell, K.W. (2010). Victim Confidentiality Promotes Safety and Dignity. Journal of the Missouri Bar, 69(2), pp. 76-83.

Being the president of the Missouri Victim Assistance Network (MOVA), Campbell, the author of this particular article, is an authority on the topic at hand. In the past, she has actively been involved in various aspects of victim assistance, including, but not limited to, presenting a workshops touching on the issue of victims and confidentiality. She is a University of Missouri-Colombia School of Law graduate.

In this particular piece, Campbell concerns herself with the relevance of victim confidentiality as far as the safety and well-being of the victim is concerned. The article, in basic terms, highlights "the legal authority in place that provides for victim confidentiality with regard to non-disclosure of identity, location and certain confidential communications…" Further, the article puts a strong case for the application of the laws governing victim confidentiality. According to the author, there are those who have, in the past, argued that the further enhancement of victim rights, particularly with regard to the various rules governing the process of discovery, could compromise the rights of defendants. This, in the opinion of the author, is a misplaced assertion. The disclosure of victim information has, in the past, been proven to be detrimental to not only the victims' safety but also the safety and well-being of their relatives.

It is important to note that based on the nature of this particular article and the purpose for which it will be used (as described below), it does not necessarily compare with the other articles selected.

As far as the development of the victim assistance program is concerned, this article will come in handy in not only demonstrating the need to keep victim info confidential, but also in identifying the legal framework in place; with the latter being critical in seeking to ensure that all the aspects of the victim assistance program are at par with the applicable laws.

Jorge-Birol, A.P. (2011). Empowering Victims of Human Trafficking: The Role of Support, Assistance and Protection Policies. HUMSEC Journal, 2, pp. 164-178.

The author of this particular article is an authority in matters criminology. A holder of a PhD in criminology, Jorge-Birol is qualified to professionally tackle any subject touching on victim assistance and recovery plans. She has in the past worked for the European Training Center for Human Rights and Democracy (ETC), as a researcher.

This particular article "intends to show the importance of proper help and protection for trafficked victims." As it has already been indicated in the title, the article largely concerns itself with a subset of those who would ordinarily be covered by the victim protection program. In addition to presenting the basis of victim support policies, the article also takes into consideration various aspects of the said support programs -- particularly with regard to the assistance of victims of human trafficking. Like Danis, the author of this particular article is also of the opinion that the relevance of victim assistance programs cannot be overstated. In his opinion, support goes beyond just enhancing the recovery of the victims to further augmenting their ability to actively participate in the criminal lawsuit.

I selected this article due to its insight on the plight of victims of human trafficking. It is important to note that unlike other victims of crime, victims of human trafficking, more often than not, face unique challenges and have special needs. In that regard, therefore, their coping mechanisms are different. In the words of the author, "as a result of their special needs, trafficked victims are more vulnerable." This, as the author further points out, is particularly the case with regard to the mental health of the said victims. Support, in such a case, is critical in seeking "to enhance victim's recovery…" An effective victim assistance program should take into consideration all possible scenarios so as to properly structure the various benefits victims are to receive. In the final analysis, therefore, the relevance of this particular article cannot be overstated when it comes to the identification of the pertinent practices as well as provisions meant to enhance the well being of victims of human trafficking.

Danis, F.S. (2003). The Emerging Field of Crime Victim Assistance: Are Social Workers Ready. Professional Development: The International Journal of Continuing Social Work Education, 6(3), pp. 13-19

The author of this particular article is a professor at the University of Missouri-Colombia, where he teaches in the institution's School of Social Work. In addition to this article, the author has penned numerous other articles touching on violence (particularly against women), sexual harassment, and social work. Some of the author's most recent titles include, but they are not limited to, Recovery: Resilience and Growth in the Aftermath of Domestic Violence; Adult Daughters of Battered Women: Recovery and Posttraumatic Growth Following Childhood Adversity.This article seeks to identify and put into perspective the role of social workers in crime victim assistance. As per the findings of the survey, social workers do, indeed, work closely with victims. It is important to note that as the author points out, victims of violent crime do, in most cases, suffer injuries (with injuries being classified as either economic, social, psychological, or physical) that are often long-lasting. Each of the injuries highlighted above ought to be treated differently. In addition to discussing how the field of crime victim assistance has grown over time, this piece also highlights how social work interlocks with victim assistance. Of key interest in this case is how the social work profession has, over time, responded to initiatives touching on victim assistance.

Like the article I have discussed elsewhere in this text, titled Empowering Victims of Human Trafficking: The Role of Support, Assistance and Protection Policies, this particular article also elects to focus on a subset of those who would ordinarily be covered by the victim protection program, i.e. victims of violent crime. Like Kilpatrick and Acierno, in Mental Health Needs of Crime Victims: Epidemiology and Outcomes, point out, Danis also contends that victims of crime may also suffer mental health challenges, which may range from fear to depression and anger.

In seeking to develop, and later implement, an appropriate victim assistance program, the relevance of bringing into the picture social workers cannot be overstated. This is particularly the case "given that their continuing education choices are congruent with the results of an expert panel of victim assistance practitioners…" They should, therefore, be seen as important stakeholders in the implementation of the victim assistance program. As a matter of fact, the author observes that "to survive the aftermath of a crime, individuals and their families may need a variety of social and mental health services." The article will also help identify some of the most critical challenges faced by violent crime victims. This will come in handy as I seek to develop workable solutions to be included in the victim assistance program.

It is also important to note that the article highlights other organizations that offer support to crime victims. One of the programs mentioned herein is the Crime Victims Compensation Program. These victim assistance programs could be used as model programs for purposes of developing my victim assistance program. The article will also be of great utility in helping me understand the history and growth of victim assistance programs and initiatives. As I have already pointed out, this particular piece dedicated an entire section to the growth of victim assistance programs.

Simmonds, L. (2009). What Victims Want! Victim Support, an Objective or Relative Approach to Victims Needs. Social & Public Policy Review, 3(2), pp. 11-29.

The author of this particular article is a Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies lecturer at the University of Plymouth. Having obtained a degree in Criminal Justice from this same university, Simmonds has undertaken research on a wide range of issues revolving around criminal justice and victim welfare. As at present, she is a member of the British Society of Criminology. She is, therefore, qualified to write on the subject under consideration.

In basic terms, this particular article takes into consideration the measure of need used by victim support in the execution of its mandate, especially at a time when there is an express expectation that voluntary sector entities account for all the financial support they receive. It is important to note that although identifying and addressing the various needs of victims is an issue that has been examined or taken into consideration in the past, the amount of discussion on the measurement of the said needs has been minimal. Further, there has been little discussion on the measure adopted by victim support.

On a more specific note, this paper takes into consideration the operationalization of victim needs by victim support. Although this particular article has England as its background, the conclusions it derives could be utilized further afield, particularly in the U.S. Of key interest for purposes of this discussion is the employment of an objective measure of victim….....