Technological Platforms for Enhanced Victim Services

This project aims to address the provision of victim services in the Guatemalan justice system working with both government institutions and civil society organizations. It seeks to use technology to create an integrated approach to victim services that both improves the coordination of those services and allows for the national collection of standardized information needed to assess both the quality and extent of support for victims in the country. Guatemala is experiencing a high crime rate which creates a high level of need for specialized support to deal with the emotional health-related and practical impacts of crime as well as with legal processes. The project’s areas of focus include: violence against women and children; supporting services for minority and marginalized community members; creating a coordinated approach to the provision of information to victims; and standardizing support services in Guatemala. Project activities include: (1) developing a web portal for crime reporting collecting feedback from victims and accessing necessary support services; (2) provision of technical assistance and tools for civil society organizations (including victim support services) and criminal justice actors so that they are better equipped to support victims in particular those living in remote areas; (3) developing resources and provision of training for victim protection and support services; and (4) training and coaching in the collection and analysis of crime reporting and provision of victim protection services.

The expected intermediate outcome for this project is increased responsiveness of public institutions to the diverse needs and rights of victims of crime in Guatemala especially women and marginalized groups through the use of technology.