Abstract
This paper describes the interphase between assistance programmes for victims of crime, and their relevance for intrapsychic and interpersonal conflict-prevention and peace-building. Focusing on crime in South Africa, it shows how crime inflicts intrapsychic injuries that stunt human and social capital development, as well as social relationships and practices required for transformation and African Renaissance. The paper introduces the Government of South Africa’s Victim Empowerment Programme as an effort to improve governmental service delivery to crime victims, and for enhancing overall crime prevention. Findings of a 2009 Victim Empowerment Needs Assessment highlight institutional capacity development strategies for the effective deployment of victim empowerment initiatives that are relevant for intrapsychic and interpersonal peacebuilding in South Africa. Keywords: victim empowerment, South Africa’s Victim Empowerment Programme, crime prevention, capacity development.