When violent crimes occur, it is extremely traumatic for the victims. They are at the center of the crime and feel the repercussions for months, if not years, after the event. If you suspect that you have been a victim of a crime, and are not sure about the next steps, we are here to help and guide you through this experience.
What does it mean to be a victim of a crime?
A victim of a crime is defined as an individual who “has suffered physical or emotional harm, property damage, or economic loss as a result of a crime” (source). If a crime has occurred and you have suffered from it, you are a crime victim.
The crime does not necessarily have to be committed directly against you. For example, if you live in a house where there is domestic violence, you are a victim even if you are not the person getting physically abused. The law extends its definition of victimhood to those who have suffered emotionally, by simply living within the environment where the crime was committed.
What are the different types of victims?
As long as there is a crime, there are victims. Below is a list of some of the most common types of victims of crime. Bear in mind that it is, in no way, exhaustive. If you feel as though you have been victimized, but the crime committed against you is not on this list, you should call the authorities and see if you qualify:
- Arson victims
- Assault victims
- Bullying victims
- Burglary victims
- Child abuse/neglect victims
- Child pornography victims
- Domestic violence victims
- DUI/DWI crash victims
- Elder abuse/neglect victims
- Hate crime victims
- Identity theft victims
- Kidnapping victims
- Human trafficking victims
- Harassment victims
- Homicide victims
- Sexual assault victims
- Terrorism victims
Administrative lawyer: steps of a recourse to IVAC
Who is a victim of a criminal offense?
As the official definition of a victim of a criminal offense is someone who has sustained a physical or psychological injury stemming from a crime, it means that there can be additional victims aside from the individual who was at the receiving end of the criminal act. The following are considered criminal offense victims:
Primary victims
The most important victim is the primary victim. These are the direct recipients of the criminal action. In other words, the crime was directly aimed at them. They feel the most suffering and trauma following the incident because they are the ones who were most closely connected to the crime.
As the primary victims often suffer the crime’s after effects more than anyone else, they have access to more support resources than those who have been indirectly affected by the crime. They can avail of a wide variety of services, from victim compensation to counseling services.
Witnesses
In addition to the primary victim, anyone else who was at the scene of the crime is also a victim. Although the crime might not have been directly committed against them, they often feel the same level of trauma as the primary victim. On top of that, many witnesses feel additional guilt due to not having been able to stop the crime.
At times, they may feel that they should have been the primary victim themselves. Witnesses get a similar level of support as the primary victim. While they do not receive the same level of financial assistance, they receive all the mental health support they need.
What compensation does IVAC offer?
Victim’s family
A primary victim’s family members are also considered victims. After all, supporting their loved one through the trauma can be emotionally and mentally exhausting. Moreover, there are families of homicide victims who lose loved ones prematurely, which can be a traumatic experience in itself.
The type of support available for the families of victims varies depending on the crime. For example, if you are the parent of a child that has suffered abuse, the support you receive will likely be in the form of guidance on how to effectively deal with your child, and how best to make them comfortable. Similarly, dependents of homicide victims will likely receive compensation to cover the financial costs of losing a family member. This includes forensic costs, medical costs, and burial costs related to the crime.
Criminal’s family
Although heavily debated, a criminal’s family members can also be seen as victims. Technically, they have also been emotionally affected by the occurrence of the crime. Most of the time, when a criminal commits a crime, the family is not involved. As a result, they are innocent and their lives are turned upside down.
For example, if you are a parent whose child has murdered someone, you lose your child to the prison system. Or, if you are the child of a parent who has murdered someone, your life will completely change through the experience of losing a parent.
How are victims identified?
How victims are identified depends on the crime that has been committed. If it is the type of crime that is directly reported by the victim, the identification is straightforward. For example, in a burglary or sexual assault case, the victim will ring the police and report the crime themselves.
In other cases, such as in the event of a kidnapping, the family or friends will identify the victim. Finally, victims can be identified by the police. This is usually the case for homicide victims. The police will first confirm that a crime has been committed, and then identify the victim based on the facts around the case. It is also true that sometimes victims are unaware that they are being victimized, until a police officer, friend, or family member makes them aware of their situation.
What to do if you are a victim of a criminal offense
If you are a victim of a criminal offense, the first thing you should do is report the crime. Once the crime has been reported, the police will take over and do all the necessary work to bring the culprit to justice. You should then seek help for yourself.
You should look for a legal representative or a victim advocate, who can ensure that you get the help and support you need. Criminal lawyers will identify whether you are the victim of a compensable crime and work hard to make sure you get what you are owed as well as the emotional support you need.
Get a free consultation with a crime victim lawyer
If you have been the victim of a crime, it’s in your best interest to contact a crime victim lawyer in order to help you navigate the justice system following a crime. This is going to be one of the most stressful times in your life so it’s essential that you have someone by your side who knows the ins and outs of the legal process, and can ensure that you are properly represented.
Accident Solution counts with a team of lawyers who are familiar with IVAC. They understand the deadlines, the regulations, and how to get you what you are entitled to. Our lawyers will work closely with you throughout the process, giving you support along the way until you receive the compensation you deserve.
