In recent years, the role of victims in the criminal justice system has grown in importance, inspiring much research into victims' experiences and possible reforms. There are a multitude of factors that influence policymakers regarding criminal justice reform, one of which is victims. However, while victims can be catalysts for reform, as in the case of James Ramage, among others, they nevertheless play a relatively minor role in influencing political change. The idea of ​​victim-centered crime prevention maintains that the majority of victimizations occur around a relatively small percentage of the population and that targeting crime prevention efforts and policies at potential victims or Antecedents can prevent a large amount of crime (Riley and Mayher 1980). In his investigation, Garland (2001) observed that reduced public confidence in the criminal justice system and its ability to reduce crime has led to the treatment of victims playing a greater role in creating reforms. By taking victims into account during criminal proceedings and law-making, the level of effectiveness of our system has been critically analyzed and led to changes in various areas. The development of official definitions of what constitutes victimization and increased recognition of victims have helped to legitimize and validate the criminal justice system. Wemmers (1996) emphasizes that an effective criminal justice system also protects human rights. Victims are increasingly being seen as notable holders of these rights, leading to scrutiny in our national system as well as by international bodies. The protection of these rights, as in South Africa where less explicit definitions between the rights of "victims" and "human rights" are established by politicians...... middle of paper .... .. community involvement in justice and providing on-site support services to victims (Hall 2010, p. 196). Although reforms aimed at preventing crime are increasingly influenced by victims, victims are still widely recognized as neglected parts of the penal system, primarily in the prosecution and sentencing of offenders (Strang, Heather, Lawrence W. Sherman 2003). Victim-based policy makers have played a much larger role in influencing legislative changes in crime prevention and assistance to victims of crime, but victim-based reforms remain largely localized in cases popularized and often fail to enter the trial side of the criminal justice system. Victims have the capacity to act as catalysts for reform, but their treatment and consideration in the criminal justice system continues to serve as more indicator of system success..