While much discussion and effort have focused on preventing and controlling gang violence, far too little attention has been paid to those who are most affected by its tragic impact: the victims of gang violence. The impact of gang violence and related activities on crime victims and witnesses merits special attention. Often unidentified, overlooked, or ignored, victims of gang crimes have fewer resources and less ability to exercise their rights, as compared to victims of other types of crime.
For the purpose of discussion and to frame the parameters of this project, gangs are defined as any group of people who band together for criminal activity or who commit crimes as a group. This would include behavior that is gang-related, even if not acted out as a group.
Recognizing that victims of gang violence constitute an important underserved victim population, the Office for Victims of Crime in the Justice Department sponsored an initiative to examine the special needs and issues of victims and witnesses of gang-related violence, and to develop recommendations for improved victim assistance and services. OVC is working in collaboration with OJJDP to coordinate these efforts -- which include Planning Group research/assessment, ascertaining "promising practices" in victim assistance, and developing training and technical assistance resources at the federal level.
To increase understanding of the challenges that victims and witnesses of gang violence, as well as service providers, face in their communities, a planning group of victims and various professionals who work with victims of gang violence was convened in Washington, D.C., on May 17, 1996, by consultant Anne Seymour. Ten participants from diverse professions, communities, and ethnic groups, attended this eight-hour session, along with representatives from the Office of the Attorney General, National Institute of Justice (NIJ), and OJJDP. Participants included victims and survivors of gang-related violence; community-based victim/witness advocates; and representatives from the judiciary, corrections, and relevant federal agencies.
A second expanded Planning Group met on August 14, 1996, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to review and revise the original report and develop plans for future action. A roster of Planning Group participants is included in Appendix A. Details about the methodology and facilitation of the two Planning Groups is included in Appendix B.
The five goals of the Victims of Gang Violence Planning Group were to: