Perceptions and Experiences of Victimization in Alberta: Findings from a Survey of Alberta Adults, 2000-2001 PDF
Date
2002
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Canadian Research Institute for Law and the Family.
Abstract
In January 1999 discussions held at the Alberta Summit on Justice resulted in a list of 25 core recommendations.Several of the recommendations were related to issues concerning victimization. A major concern was that the justice system needs to be more effective in providing and supporting active and meaningful roles for victims within the justice process. Another concern was that victims be given appropriate and adequate support in terms of, for example, education and counselling. Recommendations also called for more and better use of victim impact statements. Additionally, the need was expressed for members of the justice system to be more sensitive to and aware of the issues and experiences surrounding victimization. Discussions from the Summit provided the rationale and focus for conducting this research project. The purpose of this project was primarily to examine the extent to which Albertans experience victimization and the nature and consequences of that experience. Traditional conceptualizations of victimization have adopted a legal definition of victimization. There has been increasing recognition, however, of a need for a broader approach by recognizing that victimization is also experienced outside of the legal realm. This research addressed this issue by providing survey-based data on victimization experiences. As well, this research offers an alternative measure of victimization than what is reported in official police statistics such as the Uniform Crime Reporting Survey. 1.2 Objectives of the Project This research project has the following main objectives: 1. To collect data in order to: (a) examine the nature of victimization; (b) measure the scope of victimization; (c) identify the needs of victims; and (d) examine the impact of victimization on different groups. 2. To review current provincial and federal legislation, as well as selected legislation in other countries, in the area of victimization. 3. To compare the context of victimization experiences that are reported as part of an official process as compared to experiences not officially reported. 4. To identify ways in which the needs of victims could be more effectively met.
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Citation
Gomes, J.T, Ringseis, E.L, Boyle, P.J, Bertrand, L.D, Paetsch, J.J.,, Day, D.C. (2002). Perceptions and Experiences of Victimization in Alberta: Findings from a Survey of Alberta Adults, 2000-2001 PDF. Calgary, AB: Canadian Research Institute for Law and the Family.