This is National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, but a new report says many victims of violence in Alabama do not report it and often don’t get the support needed to help them recover.
The Alabama Appleseed Center for Law and Justice on Monday released “Afterward,” its survey and report from 401 victims about what happened to them after the violent act or acts.
“As a state, I think we need to step back and think about our priorities and who needs what, when and how we can provide a more approachable system for people who experience violence,” Leah Nelson, lead researcher for Appleseed, said Monday on Alabama Public Television’s Capitol Journal.
Respondents included victims of violent assaults, shootings and attempted shootings, rape and nonconsensual sexual contact. Some were victims of multiple acts. And 52% had lost at least one loved one to homicide.
Participants ranged in age from 16 to 85. They were predominantly Black and about 15% were LBGQT. Those communities are more likely to experience violence, according to the report.
Many of those surveyed did not report the violence against them to law enforcement, Nelson told ADN. Fifty-three percent of survey respondents agreed with the statement, “I never or almost never call the police in response to violence or crime that I experience.” They don’t think law enforcement can or wants to help them, Nelson explained.
Meanwhile, 25% said law enforcement did not treat them with respect when they reported a crime.
Those affected by homicides reported large financial burdens, including caring for orphaned children.
About 53% of victims wanted counseling, but only 37% were able to afford it. Others said they needed access to a safehouse, help dealing with eviction, and assistance keeping track in the legal system of the person who harmed them, according to Appleseed.
“This is not about getting rid of the system we have, it’s about adding a parallel system of support for the people who are recovering from violence and loss,” Nelson said.
Read the full report at alabamaappleseed.org/afterward.