Most people think of violent crime – rape, assault, robbery – when they think of victims.
But not all victims experience crimes of violence. Fraud and financial schemes victimize millions yearly. And every day, consumers fall prey to phony investment scams, get-rich-quick schemes, foreign lotteries, telemarketing fraud, and Internet scams.
Crime victims often feel helpless in the aftermath of a crime. They may feel alone and isolated, and many are financially devastated.
It’s good to know there are laws to protect crime victims. The Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights gives victims a place in the criminal justice system, ensures they have the opportunity to be heard, and provides assistance to further their recovery. Most states also have victims’ rights laws for cases handled in local criminal justice systems.
There are many national service organizations to help crime victims as well as organization at the state and local level to provide assistance to crime victims.
