This article includes the findings of an NIJ-funded study examining how wrongful convictions affect the original crime victims. Researchers from ICF International conducted in-depth studies to identify the shared experiences and service needs of the original crime victims in 11 cases of wrongful conviction. In total, researchers interviewed 33 individuals:
- Eleven victims (including immediate family members in cases of homicide)
- Nine prosecutors
- Four service providers
- Three law enforcement officers
- Two family members
- Two individuals who provided victims with legal advice
- Two innocence commission members
The study found that wrongful convictions have a significant impact on the original crime victims and exposed a lack of services available to them. The researchers also noted that although we have made significant strides over the past three decades to identify wrongfully convicted individuals and to help them gain their freedom and transition to life after exoneration, additional research is still needed to fully understand the experiences and address the needs of the original crime victims during this process.
Publish Date
2014