The Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Victim Service Provision in a Midwestern State: A Research Note

Abstract

Criminal justice systems faced critical issues related to ample resource availability and efficient service provision with the onset of the COVID-19 global pandemic in March of 2020. Lockdowns implemented by communities as well as the changes required in services for crime victims at the onset of the pandemic placed constraints on victim service professionals. These adaptations undoubtedly affected the victims served by both community-funded and governmental agencies. Published studies conducted during the early months of the pandemic examined rates of victimization; however, valid victimization counts were obscured by underreporting during lockdown. The current research note explores the perceptions of administrators working in victim services in a rural state in the Midwestern United States. In-depth interviews were conducted with nine respondents working in victim services. Themes delineated in the analysis center on the work efficacy of the professionals interviewed as well as the mobilization of services and resources for victims since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Implications of the findings are addressed, and future directions for research are discussed.