How is a "criminal offense" defined in terms of victim and witness services?

A "criminal offense" encompasses a broad range of actions that infringe upon the rights of individuals or society at large, leading to physical or psychological harm. The definition includes offenses against both persons and property. This recognition is essential in the context of victim and witness services, as these services are designed to support individuals who have been affected by crimes, regardless of whether the crime involved direct violence.

Choosing an answer that limits the definition to only economic loss or violence would exclude many offenses that carry significant psychological impact or harm, such as theft or vandalism. Furthermore, merely reporting a crime to law enforcement does not encompass the full spectrum of what constitutes a criminal offense, since not all reported incidents lead to formal criminal charges or reflect the nature of the crime itself.

Thus, understanding the definition provided in the context of victim and witness services is crucial, as it informs the support systems in place for all individuals affected by crime, whether they have experienced direct harm or witnessed an offense.