Twenty Years Later: National Study of Victim Compensation Program Trends, Challenges, and Successes

• In Event: Victim Compensation and Reparations

Abstract

Victims of crime experience serious harms and face significant costs, making state victim compensation programs essential resources to survivors’ economic security and safety. Twenty years ago, the Urban Institute conducted a seminal, national study of victim compensation programs to assess their efficiency and effectiveness. This year, NORC at the University of Chicago and the Urban Institute completed a replication of this study—examining the successes and challenges of compensation programs at assisting victims in their recovery. The replication study included a national survey of victim compensation program administrators; trend analysis of compensation program performance data from each state; and deep-dive case studies into four state programs. Case studies included interviews with victim compensation and service providers as well as a survey of compensation claimants to learn about their experiences and perspectives. Findings provide insight into victim compensation programs’ effectiveness and equity as well as emerging issues and strengths intended to improve national and state responses to survivors and better meeting their financial, safety, and recovery needs.

Authors

• Elena Navarro, NORC at the University of Chicago

• Josh Fording, Urban Institute

• Jeanette Hussemann, NORC at the University of Chicago

• Jennifer Yahner, Urban Institute

• Malore Dusenbery, Urban Institute