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Looking a gift horse in the mouth — The underutilization of crime victim compensation funds by domestic violence victims.

Rutledge, Njeri Mathis
June 4, 2015

Source: (2011) Duke Journal of Gender Law & Policy. 19:223-273.

This article seeks to identify and explore the underlying theories behind
CVC funds and the barriers preventing domestic violence victims from utilizing them.18 The primary goal of CVC funds should be to assist crime victims.
Refocusing on this goal of assisting victims would ultimately benefit victims of
domestic violence as well. First, the need for CVC funds by domestic violence
victims is great because, oftentimes, other resources are inadequate. In the face
of such substantial need, the goal of CVC funds must be victim assistance.
Second, eligibility requirements that do not advance the primary goal of victim
assistance should be dismantled. Specifically, requirements that a victim
cooperate with law enforcement and not have a criminal record or “negative
social history” can be problematic in domestic violence cases. Finally, victim
assistance should be the primary goal because it fulfills the moral obligation
society has towards all crime victims.(excerpt)

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AbstractCourtsPost-Conflict ReconciliationPrisonsRestitutionRJ OfficeVictim Support
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