Prioritizing the Victim: The 21st Century Transformation of Victimology

Section I – The Historical Deconstruction of Victimology

Chapter 1 Historical Overview of Victimology and 21st Century Challenges
Objectives
History of Victimology
Social Movements’ Impact on Victimology
Overview of 21st Century Challenges in Victimology and Victim Services
Overview of this book
Conclusion
Discussion Questions
References

Chapter 2 Measuring Crime Victimization—What the Data Tells us
Objectives
Introduction
Measuring Crime and Crime Victimization
Uniform Crime Report
National Incident Based Reporting System
National Crime Victimization Survey
National Intimate Partner & Sexual Violence Survey
National Survey of Children’s Exposure to Violence
National Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System
National Child Abuse and Neglect Data
National Public Survey on White Collar Crime
The Future of Crime and Victimization Research
The Art of Spinning Statistics: The Intersection of Data, Politics, and the Media
Conclusion
Discussion Questions
References

Chapter 3 Typologies of Crime Victimization
Objectives
Introduction
Early Crime Victim Typologies
Demographic Characteristics Predicting Victimization
Gender
Age
Race/ethnicity
Socioeconomic status
Marital Status
Religious Affiliation
Sexual Orientation
Individuals with a Disability
Citizenship status
Situational Context Variables Predicting Victimization
Location
Repeat Victimization (multiple victimization)
Relationship between Victim and Offender
Theoretical Paradigms of Crime Victimization: Positivist vs. Critical Victimology
Critical Victimology
Evidence-Based Decision Making and Evidence-Based Practices in Victim Services
Conclusion
Discussion Questions
References

Chapter 4 Remedies for Crime Victims in the United States: A Historical Overview
Objectives
Introduction
Part 1—American Revolution through the Civil War (1760s–1860s)
Socio-political Context of the 1760s through 1860s
Legal Remedies and Rights
Victim Services
Part 2—Reconstruction through the early Women’s Rights Movement (1860s–1960s)
Socio-political Context of the 1860s through 1960s
Legal Remedies and Rights
Victim Services
Part 3—The Crime Victims’ Rights Movement (1970s–1980s)
Socio-political context of the 1970s and 1980s
Legal remedies and rights
Victim Services
Part 4—Post Crime Victims’ Rights Movement (1990s to mid-2000s)
Socio-political context of the 1990s through mid-2000s
Legal Remedies and Rights
Victim Services
Conclusion
Discussion Questions
References

Section II – The Impact of Law and Politics on Crime Victims

Chapter 5 Landmark Legislation, Cases, and Remedies
Objectives
Introduction
The President’s Task Force on Victims of Crime
Victim Related Recommendations for Federal and State Actions
A Constitutional Amendment
Key Federal Victims’ Rights Legislation
Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) of 1984
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 1994
Crime Victims’ Right Act (CVRA) of 2004
Title IX
Landmark cases
Thurman v. Torrington
Victim Impact Statements
Booth v. Maryland, 482 U.S. 496 (1987)
South Carolina v. Gathers 109 S. Ct. 2207, 104 L. Ed. 2d 876 (1989)
Payne v. Tennessee, 501 U.S. 808 (1991)
Simon & Schuster, Inc. v. Members of N. Y. State Crime Victims Bd., 1991
Connecticut Department of Public Safety v. Doe
Additional Remedies
State victims’ rights amendments
Mandatory Reporting Laws
Sex Offender Registration Laws
Conclusion
Discussion questions
References

Chapter 6 Navigating Victims through the Justice System
Objectives
Introduction
Initiating a Case
The Initial Report
Investigations
The Presentation of Options
Arrest
Prosecution and The Courts
Charging
Methods of Handling Cases
Pretrial Release
Plea Bargaining
Trial
Sentencing: Victim Impact Statements
Protections, Redress, and Services
Orders of Protection
Victim Compensation
Restitution
Litigation
Third Party Lawsuits
Mediation Programs
Parole Hearings
Conclusion
Discussion questions
References

Chapter 7 Rethinking Victim Involvement in the Criminal Justice Process
Objectives
Introduction
Restorative Justice
Victim-Offender Conferences
Family Group Conferences
Peacemaking Circles
Victim Impact Statement
Victim Impact Panel
Empowering Victims of Crime
Working with the Media and Crime Victims
Media and Marginalized Groups
Media and Crimes against Children
Technology used to Support Crime Victims
VINE: Victim Information and Notification Everyday
ASK: Assault. Services. Knowledge
Online Therapies and Directories for Services
Global Positioning System (GPS) Tracking
Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) and other DNA Databases
Conclusion
Discussion Questions
References

Section III – The Transformation of the Field of Victimology into the 21st Century

Chapter 8 Model Programs and Best Practices in Victim Services: Rethinking What Works
Objectives
Introduction
The Impact of Trauma
Principles of Trauma-Informed Approach to Victim Services
Trauma-Informed Policies, Practices, and Programs
Trauma-Informed Policies/Processes
Trauma-Informed Programs
Conclusion
Discussion Questions
References

Chapter 9 Vicarious Traumatization—Helping the Helpers
Objectives
Introduction
The “Cost of Caring”: Secondary Traumatic Stress, Compassion Fatigue, and Burnout
Monitoring and Managing Stress
Developing Your Self-Care Plan
Conclusion
Discussion questions
References

Chapter 10 Professionalizing Crime Victim Services
Objectives
Introduction
History of Crime Victims Services
Challenges for the Field of Victim Services
Victim Service Providers: What it Takes to Work in the Field
Professionalizing Victim Services
Credentialing
Training
Education
Careers in Victim Services
Job Growth
Conclusion
Discussion Questions
References

Index