Assess programs dedicated to caring for the victim Victim-witness assistance programs are government programs that help crime victims and witnesses; they may include compensation, court services,...

Assess programs dedicated to caring for the victim Victim-witness assistance programs are government programs that help crime victims and witnesses; they may include compensation, court services, and/or crisis intervention. Such programs often include victim compensation—financial aid awarded to crime victims to repay them for their loss and injuries; this assistance may cover medical bills, loss of wages, loss of future earnings, and/or counseling. Some programs assign counselors to victims to serve as advocates to help them understand the operation ol the justice system and guide them through the process. Every state jurisdiction allows victims to make an impact statement before the sentencing judge. Most victim programs refer victims to specific services to help them recover from their ordeal.