Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance 2014 Needs Assessment

Abstract

Although this report is primarily focused on informing the upcoming FY2016 VOCA Request for Response (RFR) process, the purpose of the needs assessment is to ensure that all MOVA programs and services are responsive to the needs of crime victims and service providers in Massachusetts. Therefore, this needs assessment comprised of two core components; surveys and interviews with service providers, and focus groups and phone interviews with crime victims. ICF conducted a statewide survey of service providers to assess the experiences and perspectives of service providers related to the needs of and services provided to crime victims. Following the survey of service providers, ICF conducted follow-up interviews with a small sample of respondents from the survey to better understand the survey findings and gather additional recommendations for improving victim services in Massachusetts. A subset of these services providers, and a few additional providers recommended by MOVA, gathered information on crime victims interested in participating in this project. ICF conducted focus groups and phone interviews with the interested crime victims to add a firsthand account of crime victims experiences with service provision in Massachusetts. This report provides an overview of the methodology and findings from both components of data collection, and offers recommendations for service improvement throughout the Commonwealth. [CVRL Note: Appendices include service provider survey and interview protocols and crime victim focus group and interview protocols.] (Author Text)