Programs for Victim Assistance, Essay Example

Introduction

Victims of crimes against vulnerability often result to the displacement of the victims or at some point a downpour of emotions often resulting to sense of depression. Understandably, this s the reason why it is very important to create particular programs that could help the said victims to recover from the devastating situations that they have experienced. Recovering from a past that is remarkably discouraging is not easy. Victims of this particular type need all the assistance that they could get especially in relation to psychological and psychosocial support. Most often than not, victims of these particular situations start to trust people less. This then leads to isolation and further physical problems when the psychological issues develop to even deeper conditions due to mental adjustment especially in relation to how they perceive themselves and the others as well.

In the discussion that follows, two particular programs dedicated to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault shall be given attention to. Discussing their mission, vision and commission to serve the needs of the victims of the cases mentioned, this presentation aims to provide an informative distinction on how criminal justice system aims to provide support and assistance to victims who are in need of attention for the sake of faster and more efficient recovery from their experiences.

The Crimes and the Impact they leave on Victims

Sexual assault could be perpetrated against women and men, boys and girls or any particular individual considered to be vulnerable to such indecent advancements. Most often than not, the perpetrators belong to a higher tier of authority over the victims rendering them into a more vulnerable state. The strength of authority often gives the perpetrators a chance to realize their capability to manipulate situations and find a way to overpower others in a sexually indecent manner. The victims, feeling oppressed and vulnerable to the matter often develop a sense of insecurity and lower level of self-esteem and self-respect. Others lose trust and begin to feel worthless because of the treatment that they received from the offenders.

On the other end, domestic violence often marks an individual’s capability to handle familial support and attention. Most likely, when one is subjected to such a situation, he or she loses sense of security and trust hence making a personal adjustment to keep the doors to trusting closed. Devastation and traumatic conditions often become the result of this particular crime. Victims who survived such situations often find themselves remembering the situation every now and then due to the fact that the individuals who assaulted them have close relationships with them hence implying the if they cannot trust these individuals, then who can they trust in the society? Being able to give back to them a sense of trust through therapy and group support is then an important part of the process of recovery.

The Helping Agencies

YMCA

The Young Women Christian Association is an international organization with establishments in more than 122 countries across the globe. The Young Women Christian Association founded in 1868 with the objective of addressing the needs and advocacy of the working people. The program provided shelter to women who abandoned their rural households in search of employment in the factories. Initially the program provided an employment bureau to find employment for young women. The program advocated for the minimum wages for women, women’s suffrage, and protective labor laws for both women and children. The organization embraced the concept of racial justice and fore front-runner in the advocacy of racial justice. The program has adapted to the ever-changing needs of women, and as such, the program has established several firsts. These include the 1876 first women’s employment bureau, provision of leadership in the formation of the then associated charities of Cincinnati currently known as the United Way and Community Chest. The program also provided the first fitness classes for women in 1890 and subsequently the first women’s basketball team in 1915. The program also introduced the concept of training of women in auto mechanics and telegraphy in World War 2. In 1950s, the program integrated a cafeteria within the city where interracial groups would eat and meet. The radical move by the YWCA in 1970, in the understanding of women’s issues, through the advocacy for the needs of battered children and women in local hearings and advocacy, resulted in a positive impact and resulted in a chain of events including the opening of the Cincinnati women’s shelter. In 1998, the program purchased and renovated a new shelter to triple its capacity. Since its inception, the program has positively changed the lives of various women and families through the empowerment to enhance their lives.

Women Helping Women

The Women Helping Women, on the other hand, is a social service agency that is non-shelter. The program provides crisis intervention prevention, education, and advocacy to survivors and victims of sexual assault and domestic violence (Women Helping Women). The program initiated in 1973 and since then provided support services and intervention services to children women, and men, without any charge. According to the Women Helping Women website the program provides a variety of services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The staff providing services in this program posses various experiences and educational backgrounds. The assistance from a diverse group of volunteers ensures crisis services are available to individuals on a 24-hour basis. The formation of the program based on the feminist belief that people within a community provide effective counseling and support for each other in these circumstances. The formation of the organization was through the pooling of resources by several graduate students 1973. The organization began its operations by offering counseling services to women and subsequently incorporated in 1974 and granted a tax-exempt status. The program established the crisis phone service and then the rape crisis program with financing through the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration. The addition of staff in the organization facilitated the growth of the program. In order to facilitate its expansion in the program relocated in 1976 to the YWCA building. The public speaks out co sponsorship of the Women Helping Women, and the YWCA during that year led to the realization of diverse needs. The two programs, therefore, decided to expand their services to include the victims of partner violence. The incorporation of working with battered women, therefore, incorporated into the mission of the organization.

Effectiveness of Programs

It is imperative to note that these two organizations have been successful in their endeavors. The success of the programs projected through the support and assistance to the victims and survivors of domestic assault and sexual abuse. The services of these programs have facilitated methods of awareness of these vices and provided professional a satisfactory support to these individuals. The achievement of the programs has facilitated the reduction of the vices in the society as well as the provision of information and campaigns towards the reduction of sexual assault and domestic abuse on the vulnerable in society. In this consideration, it is essential to note the effectiveness of these programs. The programs have facilitated healing of the individuals involved.

The effectiveness of these programs further demonstrated in public support of its activities and through the participation of the public in campaigns. The long-standing operations of the programs and support and contributions awarded to the programs by other institutions sow their effectiveness. The acknowledgement of the services provided by these programs is eminent in the number of individuals who seek support and assistance from these programs. The numbers of individuals who have benefited from the services of these two programs elaborate the effectiveness associated with the services provided by the organizations. The education and empowerment of these organizations are effective relevant and have a consideration of the changing circumstances. This education and support facilitate the healing process of the victims and survivors.

Conclusion

As seen from the discussion presented herein, most likely, the women and children become the primary victims of crimes such as sexual assault and domestic violence. Being the more vulnerable members of the human population, they ought to be protected properly. YMCA and Women Helping Women are worldwide programs that provide assistance to those needing it. Allowing the victims a chance to regain a better view of themselves even after being subjected to traumatizing events make these programs a source of social constructiveness for the victims to believe in themselves and on other people as well. Recovering from bad experiences require time and understanding on the part of those providing help. This is the reason why the platform of operation that YWCA and Women Helping Women could be considered good enough in relation to the mission of helping they hope to accomplish.

References

Young Women Christian Association. Greater Cincinnati. 9 Dec 2012. < http://www.ywca.org> . Retrieved on December 12, 2012.

Women helping women. 9 Dec 2012.  <http://www.womenhelpingwomen.org/>. Retrieved on December 12, 2012.