Examining Equity in State Victim Compensation Programs: A Multilevel Analysis

• In Event: NIJ Day: Improving Services for Victims of Crime

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to research gaps in the equitable distribution of compensation across victim populations, a field that currently lacks data-driven strategies and has limited studies on the impact of interventions. The project seeks to address these gaps in knowledge by examining how state, county, neighborhood, and individual factors influence the distribution of state victim compensation funds, and the extent to which equity is achieved for victims across multiple dimensions, including race, gender, geographic location, and type of crime. It does so using multiple methods, including a survey of state programs, analyses of all states’ programs’ performance measures and two states’ case-level compensation data, and interviews with practitioners and survivors. Findings identify multiple factors and mechanisms contributing to inequity in compensation. The study concludes with policy recommendations that states can implement to improve equity.

Authors

• Sebastián Guzmán, Council of State Governments Justice Center

• Jessica Saunders, Council of State Governments Justice Center

• Shradha Sahani, Council of State Governments Justice Center