Collaborative Response to Crime Victims in Urban Areas

Many victims of crime in urban areas report that they turn to their faith as a source of personal strength and call on faith communities for assistance, support, and guidance. Yet, faith leaders repeatedly report that they are not prepared to provide services to victims.

With funding from the Office for Victims of Crime, the Maryland Crime Victims Resource Center worked to link faith-based organizations and victim service programs in five high-crime, urban neighborhoods:

• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Nashville, Tennessee
• Baltimore, Maryland
• St. Paul, Minnesota
• Richmond, California

The Center conducted a needs assessment across the five sites. The Needs Assessment Report served as a guide as program coordinators built on existing strengths in each of the five communities.

The Center also provided evaluation of the program for the duration of the grant. The Final Evaluation Report will assist in planning for continuation of the programs as well as design of new programs in the future.

For more information about this program or its evaluation, contact Dana DeHart at 803-777-7867 or dana.dehart@sc.edu.