Integrating Crime Victim Research and Practice

• In Event: Transforming Research on Victims of Crime

Abstract

From 2013 to 2015, a partnership of organizations (NCVC, Urban Institute, and JRSA) conducted a multi-method study, funded by the Office for Victims of Crime, focused on Bridging the Gap between crime victim research and practice. These research efforts included a comprehensive literature review, a survey of 500 victim service providers, a survey of crime victim researchers, and qualitative observations from visits to places where collaboration was taking place. In this presentation, we review lessons learned from Bridging the Gap in light of their applicability to efforts aimed at facilitating collaboration between researchers and practitioners for the National Resource Center for Victim Research and Evaluation. Beyond the importance of adequate funding and policies emphasizing evidence-based collaboration, the integration of crime victim research and practice requires significant investments of time by all parties to yield meaningful improvements in the delivery of services to victims of crime.

Authors

• Jennifer Yahner, Urban Institute

• Janine M. Zweig, Urban Institute

• Susan Howley, National Center for Victims of Crime

• Stan Orchowsky, Justice Research and Statistics Association