Outlines the successes and failures of the movement to support survivors of violence The Victims\' Rights Movement (VRM) has been one of the most meaningful criminal justice reforms in the United States.
He urges a reframing of the movement to fight for universal health care and limits on access to weapons-two policies that would reduce the number of victims and help those who do become victims of crime..
Michael Vitiello considers whether the VRM serves those injured by crime well by focusing on victimhood.
It has exacerbated racial inequality in the imposition of the death penalty and criminal sentencing generally, and falsely promises closure to crime victims and their families.
Conversely, the movement has led to excessive punishment for many defendants and destruction of defendants\' families.
Among its widely acknowledged accomplishments are expanded resources to help victims deal with trauma, greater sensitivity to sexual assault victims in many jurisdictions, and increased chances of victims receiving restitution from perpetrators of harm.
The Victims\' Rights Movement offers a measured overview of the successes and the failures of the VRM.
Despite recognition of its excesses, the movement remains an important force in the criminal justice arena.
Every state and the federal government has adopted major VRM laws to enact protections for victims and increase criminal sanctions, and the movement has received support from politicians of all backgrounds.
Outlines the successes and failures of the movement to support survivors of violence The Victims\' Rights Movement (VRM) has been one of the most meaningful criminal justice reforms in the United States
