Supporting Victims, Witnesses and Co-Victims of Community Violence:
Practice Recommendations
Caterina Roman and colleagues published a new journal article in Criminal Justice Policy Review examining barriers to victim and witness participation in the criminal justice system following serious community violence. The study draws on semi-structured interviews and focus groups conducted over six months in early 2024 with 44 stakeholders—including law enforcement, prosecutors, victim advocates, and community-based service providers—across Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina. Using an ecological systems framework, the research team organized barriers and supports at the situational, individual, and community/societal levels. Below are some of the recommendations that were discussed by stakeholders. These are the recommendations that are geared towards practitioners. The journal article and all findings and recommendations can be found here at ResearchGate with a free subscription.
Embed Victim Advocates
Place trained advocates within law enforcement and prosecutors’ offices—especially homicide units. Early, continuous engagement is critical for helping victims and witnesses navigate the legal process and access services.
Adopt Trauma-Informed Practices
Mandate system-wide training for law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges. Use empathetic communication, build rapport, and shift toward a “culture of life” that affirms human dignity.
Strengthen Safety Protections
Accompany victims and witnesses to court hearings and provide secure waiting support to minimize contact with defendants and their associates. Help victims and witnesses create a safety plan, connect them to relocation resources when needed, and ensure they know their rights around confidentiality and protective orders.
Expand Outreach & Public Education
Create simple, multilingual materials that walk victims and witnesses through what to expect at each stage of the legal process. Conduct proactive community outreach, partner with trusted community organizations, and use social media and peer networks to reach victims where they are.
Low participation in criminal justice system processes is not an individual failure—it is a systemic issue. Building a justice system communities trust is the foundation for change.