The 2023 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week theme is Survivor Voices: Elevate. Engage. Effect Change. When we amplify the voices of survivors and create environments where people who have been victims of crime are heard, believed, and supported, we are better able to promote positive change for all Pennsylvanians. 

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics’ Criminal Victimization, 2021 report:

• Violent victimization (rape or sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault) declined from 26.1 to 16.5 per 1,000 persons age 12 or older, from 2012 to 2021
• The percentage of individuals who were victims of violent crimes and received assistance from a victim service provider increased three percent in 2021 (nine percent from six percent in 2020)
• Over the last three decades, the rate of violent victimization reported to law enforcement has continued to fall; however, a greater percentage of violent victimizations were reported in 2021 (46 percent) than in 2020 (40 percent)

The Pennsylvania Uniform Crime Reporting System indicates that in 2022:

• 292,395 people 18 and older were victims of crime
• 29,091 people under 18 were victims of crime

Considering the national statistics, and the low percentage of violent victimizations reported to law enforcement, the number of adults and minors in Pennsylvania who are victims of crime and in need of support from the justice system is likely much greater. Information on how to help is available in the Victim Services Providers Evidence-Based Practices (EBP) Brief.

Elevate: Compassionate Interaction and Fewer Future Victims

Justice system responses that meet the needs of survivors are maximized when victim advocate/service providers are involved. Erin Milbourne, a victim advocate in Montgomery County, is passionate about utilizing research-based practices when connecting people to resources. Two justice system and victim services priorities for Milbourne are: 

• Compassionate Interaction
  • Empathetic, research-informed practices that enhance safety
• Fewer Future Victims 
  • Evidence-based practices for the person involved in the justice system that will reduce the likelihood of both recidivism and future victims

“As a victim advocate, this is my greatest wish: that survivors can realize their hope that others may not have to experience what they did.”—Erin Milbourne

Additional insight from Milbourne, including the five things that most people who have been victims of crime need, are outlined in the Victim Advocate Voices from the Field section of EBP Stakeholder Resources. 

Ensuring Victims’ Rights as a Probation Officer

When enacted in 1998, the Crime Victims Act awarded victims/survivors of crime specific rights across the spectrum of the justice system. Detailed in the Act are specific rights afforded to someone who has been victimized by a person currently under supervision.

Notification of a person’s release from incarceration, temporary or otherwise, as well as notification of arrest and/or incarceration, are a few examples of steps that probation officers and correctional facilities must take to ensure victims’ rights are protected. Additional rights that must be protected are outlined in the Ensuring Victims’ Rights as a Probation Officer info sheet.

Effect Change: Make (Literal) Space for People Who Have Been Victims of Crime

Many agencies have dedicated victim service providers within their organization who are able to support, guide, and notify those who have been victims of crime. Victim service providers are also a great resource to justice service professionals because they act as liaisons, gather and share information, assist with safety planning, and provide emergency response.

There are also agencies that lack funding or support for in-house victim services; however, that doesn’t mean they can’t make space for people who have been victims of crime. If your agency falls within this category, take a minute to assess your workspace and identify an area where people who have been victims of crime, and their loved ones/support network, can:

• Safely, privately, and comfortably wait when coming to your office for interviews and resources
• Easily access a restroom and drinking water without requiring assistance from staff

Having dedicated professionals and/or dedicated spaces for people who have been victimized is possible, and contributes to improved interactions and outcomes.

Engage: Always Screen for Trauma

Many people who have violated the law have also been victims of crime. Unaddressed trauma associated with past victimization may interfere with their ability to fully engage in treatment or successfully complete supervision.

Positive change is possible for everyone when practitioners screen for trauma and refer people to appropriate services.

Our Trauma-Informed Care and Assessment  EBP Briefs provide tips for recognizing and responding to trauma, and the value of using actuarial tools to assess risks and needs.

Next month: The May newsletter will focus on case planning and evidence-based interventions that promote engagement and maximize learning and behavioral change. 

Positive change is possible for everyone in Pennsylvania. We look forward to continuing to enhance your EBP knowledge and invite you to submit education/resource requests to askppcji@gmail.com. 

May Focus: Maximizing change