Criminology 176 – Victim Services
The
semester project is a critical component of this course, allowing you to apply
the knowledge and concepts learned throughout the term. You will conduct an
in-depth investigation of a victim case, track the services offered to the
victim, and identify gaps in the victim assistance system specific to the
victim’s location.
Project Objectives:
1.
Gain practical
experience in applying victimology concepts to a real or hypothetical case.
2.
Understand the
challenges faced by victims within the criminal justice system.
3.
Analyze the availability
and accessibility of victim services in a specific location.
4.
Identify gaps in victim
services and potential solutions.
5.
Develop a comprehensive
victim support plan based on your findings.
Project Components:
1.
Case
Selection (5 points):
o
Choose a real victim’s
case that aligns with the course content.
2.
Module
Integration (5 points):
o
Describe how concepts
and theories from the course modules relate to the selected case.
3.
Case
Investigation (5 points):
o
Conduct research to
gather information about the victim, perpetrator, incident, and legal
proceedings. This can be demonstrated through citations and references.
o
Analyze the case from
the victim’s perspective, considering trauma, psychological impact, and
vulnerabilities.
4.
Services
Assessment (10 points):
o
Research and compile a
list of victim services available in the specific location of the victim.
o
Evaluate the relevance
of these services to the victim’s case.
5.
Services
Tracking (10 points):
o
Create a timeline that
tracks the services offered to the victim from initial reporting to post-trial
support.
o
Note any gaps or delays
in service delivery.
6.
Identifying
Gaps in Services (20 points):
o
Identify and analyze
gaps in victim services specific to the location of the selected victim.
o
Consider factors such as
accessibility, resource limitations, legal/regulatory factors, and
community-specific barriers.
7.
Recommendations
and Support Plan (20 points):
o
Develop meaningful and
actionable recommendations for addressing the identified gaps in services.
o
Create a comprehensive
victim support plan that aligns with your recommendations.
8.
Project
Report (10 points):
o
Prepare a
well-structured written report that includes all project components, findings,
and recommendations.
o
Ensure clarity,
professionalism, and proper citations.
9.
Project
Presentation (5 points):
·
o
Present your project to
the class, summarizing the case, findings, recommendations, and support plan.
o
Effectively communicate
key points.
Project Report Guidelines:
While
preparing your project report, key factors to consider include:
1.
Length: Keep your report between 5-10
pages.
2.
Clarity: Ensure your writing is clear and
concise. Proofread thoroughly for spelling and grammar errors.
3.
Format: Follow standard formatting
guidelines. Sections i.e. case investigation, service assessment, etc. should
be balanced.
4.
Tone: Maintain a professional tone
throughout the report.
5.
Visual
aids: Implement tables
or photos for representation where appropriate.
6.
Citation: Reference all your sources
correctly and consistently.
7.
Submission: Discussion
Board Format
