From Library Journal
In the United States, five out of every six people will become a victim of a violent crime, either directly or indirectly, at least once in their lifetime. Since 1965, when California introduced and developed a Crime Victim Compensation Program, similar programs have been established in 49 states (Maine is the exception) and in the District of Columbia. In 1984, a federal Crime Victim Compensation Act was passed. Although these programs exist, it is up to the victim to apply for financial compensation. Each state, moreover, has established its own procedures, regulations, and compensation levels. On a basic level, both these books outline the major points of state compensation programs. Arranged in a state-by-state format, Saldana's Crime Victim Compensation Programs provides in-depth data in the following categories: eligibility requirements, compensable losses, noncompensable losses, maximum award, how to apply (including address and telephone number), how your claim will be considered, notification procedures, and the addresses of all victim assistance programs. Ginsburg's Victims' Rights covers the process involved in more depth but also in more general terms. Short chapters discuss such topics as time limitations, filing your claim, appeals, and where to find help. A short outline for each state's program is also provided. If possible, these two complementary sources should be purchased as a pair. If cost is a consideration, Victims' Rights will get patrons started. As crime becomes more rampant, patrons will want to know more about compensation programs. These books fill this need.
Sandra K. Lindheimer, Middlesex Law Lib., Cambridge, Mass.Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
In 1991 the author's brother became a crime victim. He lost his job and medical insurance and, as a result of his injuries, incurred more than $15,000 in medical bills. Salda¤a became his brother's advocate and discovered that there are state programs that offer financial assistance to crime victims. They are not advertised and as a result are underutilized.
This directory provides information about crime-victim compensation programs in 49 states; Salda¤a claims Maine does not have one. A brief history of the programs precedes the alphabetical state entries. Each entry covers eligibility, compensable losses, maximum and emergency awards, details of the application process, notification procedures, and related supplemental programs. A legislative history of the federal law establishing the Crime Victims Fund is included in an appendix, along with information on databases and services available from the National Criminal Justice Reference Service. There is a glossary, a bibliography, and a brief index.
Victims' Rights: The Complete Guide to Crime Victim Compensation, by William L. Ginsberg , provides less-detailed information for all 50 states. For example, the lists of eligible crimes in each state are less comprehensive than in Salda¤a. Public libraries will want to acquire one of these books. Librarians will need to decide if the greater detail in Salda¤a is worth its much higher price.
