REPEAT VICTIM SUPPORT

The occurrence of a crime may be regarded as a good predictor of where and when a further crime will occur. In consequence, a practical form of support for victims may well be the prevention of repeat victimiza tion. To a variable and largely unknown extent, this approach is alrea dy being implemented by Victim Support volunteers. Making such practic e routine might provide a worthwhile supplement to the services which Victim Support already offers. Some ways are suggested in which this a pproach might be developed. The effectiveness of such an approach woul d be measured in terms of customer (victim) satisfaction and lower tha n expected rates of swift repeat victimizations. It is stressed that V ictim Support may turn out not to be a viable platform for the deliver y of combined support-prevention services, although it should be the a gency first considered for this role. Possible experimental test-beds for such an approach are proposed.