Presenter: Ethan Guo − Sociology
Faculty Mentor(s): Ellen Scott
Session: (In-Person) Oral Panel—Connection and Community
The United States Criminal Justice System’s response to crimes committed against other persons relies heavily upon people who are “Victims’ Advocates”. This advocate system is what guides survivors through the process of criminal justice by working closely with survivors to ensure that they are comfortable and aware of their rights and the ways in which they are involved in a criminal case. This study utilizes multiple interviews with Victims’ Advocates, as well as supplementary interviews with survivors in order to examine Victims’ Advocates’ perception of their impact on survivor experiences with the criminal justice system. Both in general experiences as well as how specific circumstances create different environments for survivors. Interviews from advocates revealed a pattern of how survivors’ responses differ greatly across the specific type of survivor and the nature of the crime experienced. Perceived participation and engagement levels differed greatly between crimes such as: domestic violence, theft, burglary, stranger assaults, homicides, car theft. Experiences; and also varied by across the extent of impact a survivor felt their participation and engagement would have in the proceedings against the defendant. Recognition of these patterns and differences when it comes to survivor involvement can better inform our societal approaches to how organizations and their frameworks’ are better suited for the needs of survivors.