Victim Issues Journal: Victim Rights
Student Name
Institutional Affiliation
Victim Issues Journal: Victim Rights
The state that I have chosen for the present assignment in Pennsylvania. After exploring this state’s victim rights, I established that there a lot of rights victims. One of these rights is that each victim has the right to obtain access to immediate medical assistance. This implies that they are not allowed to be detained by law enforcement for an unreasonable length of time before that medical assistance is administered. The second right states that the victim of a crime should be notified immediate an adult offender is released, which is enshrined in Pennsylvania Statute Title 18.P.S.
The State of Pennsylvania has a personal meaning to me because several family members, including my parents, reside there and because I will be moving there in June of next year to join them. I chose the notification right because it is very personal to me. Several years ago, I was involved with a very violent man who became extremely abusive. After being with this individual and trying to get out of the relationship for several years, I finally worked up enough courage to obtain a protective order after I was hospitalized for him assaulting me. He was convicted and jailed for assault.
Besides, I found out that Pennsylvania State has several other rights but only apply if a juvenile offender commits the crime. The victim rights are divided into three categories. Firstly, the list of essential information for victims, second is the rights available when requested, and third is the right that is available in personal injury cases. Of importance to note is that all victims’ rights are enshrined in the state statutes and not the constitution. The rights apply when the offender is subject to protection from abuse order. For the right to apply, one must first register with PASAVIN so that he or she could receive a free notification on the offender’s release, escape, or transfer. Other notifications include the type of custody changes which give offenders freedom of expression.
I hold the view that there would be no much difference if the right were part of the constitution or state statute. This is because the right would still be enforced. I do not think the right should only apply to adult offenders, since a child at the age of 15, or 17 years old is of sound mind, is fully grown to know what is wrong and right. As a result, the right should apply across all ages to improve ethical standards and morality within the state.