RESOLUTION ON CRIME VICTIM’S RIGHTS

WHEREAS, the membership of the Association of Paroling Authorities, International recognizes the inherent rights of victims of crime to be treated with dignity, respect and compassion; and

WHEREAS, victims of crime have the right to be notified of their rights, the right to participate at critical points in the justice process and in many jurisdictions, the legal standing to have those rights enforced; and

WHEREAS, victims’ rights are meaningless unless they are honored and enforced; and

WHEREAS, the release of an offender has the very real potential of causing a victim of crime to relive the trauma of their victimization – even years later; and

WHEREAS, victims of crime often remain fearful that the offender may retaliate; and

WHEREAS, paroling authorities are in a position to make decisions related to rehabilitation and the re-entry of offenders into the community; and

WHEREAS, paroling authorities are required to balance the constitutional and statutory rights of offenders and victims;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Association of Paroling Authorities, International urges paroling authorities to make every effort to ensure victims a meaningful role in the parole decision-making process through notification, participation and information; and to ensure that victims of crime are treated with dignity, respect and compassion in all their interactions with paroling authorities.

Adopted April 30, 2008