Victim Advocates: where we are, where we were, and where we need to be!

Source: American Probation and Parole Association. 29 October 2002.

In this paper, Brett Macgargle chronicles the trajectory of victim advocacy primarily over the last two decades. His aim is to show changes that have taken place that improved the justice system for victims of crime, while at the same time laying the groundwork for changes that he argues still need to occur. In this framework, Macgargle sketches some of the ancient precedents concerning criminal justice and victims, commends a restorative justice approach with certain qualifications, and makes specific recommendations about advocacy on behalf of victims in the years ahead, with particular emphasis on prevention of victimization.