Source: (2000) Victims of Crime 2000
Now that some aspects of the criminal justice system in South Australia, into which the victims’ movement has been able to establish itself, have shifted the focus to offenders, what may be the effects on victims? This paper reviews first some historical reflections on victims’ rights in South Australia, then describes briefly some of the specialist programs that have been implemented or are being piloted in this State. The paper offers thoughts on areas where victim issues and offender issues can find some common ground. It maintains that it is not a foregone conclusion that victims and their needs will be forgotten in the rush to individualised, offender-based justice, especially if policy-makers and administrators explore the possibilities alive in promoting the principles of ‘restorative justice’.
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