Understanding Violence and Victimization

For courses in victimology and criminal justice.

Combining theory with responses to victimization
Understanding Violence and Victimization explores the various forms of violence and their profound impact on victims across settings — at home, in the community, or as a result of personal assault or abuse. Drawing on extensive field experience, Meadows provides theory and recommendations, and contextualizes the diverse influences on violence and victimization — from social and legal responses, to the offender’s role. More practical than theoretical, the 7th edition features updates across all chapters reflecting current issues and developments in the field. It includes a new chapter on firearms and victimization, and new analysis and resources covering victim laws and rights.

Robert J. Meadows is professor of criminology and criminal justice at California Lutheran University (CLU), where he also served as department chair for over 10 years. Dr. Meadows received a PhD in criminal justice from Claremont Graduate University and a doctorate of education (EdD) and master’s degree (MS) from Pepperdine University. He received his bachelor’s degree (BS) from Northern Arizona University. Dr. Meadows has over 35 years of teaching, research, and practical experience. Prior to teaching, Dr. Meadows worked as a police officer in Los Angeles (LAPD) assigned to patrol, accident investigation, and recruit training. Prior to CLU, he taught at Kent State University, Ohio; Appalachian State University North Carolina; and Glendale College, Glendale, California. Dr. Meadow’s research and teaching interests include violence and victimization, legal issues in criminal justice, and comparative justice systems. He has authored a number of articles and two books: Evil Minds (Pearson-Prentice Hall, 2005) and the 7th edition of Understanding Violence and Victimization.

CHAPTER 1: MEASURING AND UNDERSTANDING VIOLENCE

Learning Objectives

Introduction

The Fear of Violent Crime

    Fear and Effect of Violent Crime

Crime Data

    Sources of Data on Victimization

    Violent Crime Reporting and Statistics

    National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime (NCAVC)

    Violent Criminal Apprehension Program (VICAP)

    Law Enforcement Officers Killed or Assaulted on Duty

    Understanding Violence

Influences of Violence

    Individual Influences

    Familial Influences

    Community Influences

Summary

Key Terms and Concepts

Discussion Questions and Learning Activities

Web Sources

Recommended Readings

References

CHAPTER 2: VICTIMIZATION THEORY

Learning Objectives

Introduction

Impact of Victimization

    Culture of Victimization

    Review of Early Victimization Theory

    Hentig’s Victim Classification

    Mendelsohn’s Typology

    Sellin and Wolfgang’s Typology of Victimization

Modern Victimization Theories

    Cultural Trappings

    Victim Precipitation Theory

    Spatial Relations

New Technology

Summary

Key Terms and Concepts

Discussion Questions and Learning Activities

Web Sources

Recommended Readings

References

CHAPTER 3: VICTIMS OF FAMILIAL VIOLENCE

Learning Objectives

Introduction

The Stalking Problem

    Antistalking Legislation

    Federal Law on Stalking

    The Psychological and Social Consequences of Stalking

Intimate Partner Violence

    Extended Victims of Partner Violence

    Explaining Partner Violence

    Recognizing a Potentially Abusive Partner

The Law and Domestic Violence

    Developments in the States

    The Federal Crime Control Act and Domestic Violence

Elder Abuse and Neglect

    Nursing Home Negligence

Child Abuse and Neglect

Victims of Rape and Sexual Violence

    Statutory Rape

    Marital Rape

    Date Rape and Dating Violence

Summary

Key Terms and Concepts

Discussion Questions and Learning Activities

Web Sources

Recommended Readings

References

CHAPTER 4: NONFAMILIAL VIOLENCE AND VICTIMIZATION

Learning Objectives

Introduction

Robbery

    Home Invasion Robbery

    Carjacking

Murders and Assaults by Strangers

    Spontaneous Murders

    Directed Targets

Bias and Hate-Motivated Crimes

    Hate and Bias Crime Legislation

Terrorism

    Domestic and International Terrorism

    Victims of Terrorism

    Motives of Violence

    Violence Dissemination

Summary

Key Terms and Concepts

Discussion Questions and Learning Activities

Web Sources

Recommended Readings

References

CHAPTER 5: INSTITUTIONAL AND WORKPLACE VIOLENCE

Learning Objectives

Introduction

Overview of Institutional and Workplace Violence

Institutional Homicides

Categorization of Institutional and Workplace Violence

Sources of Workplace Violence

Warning Signs of Violence

Bullying in the Workplace

Employer Liability for Institutional Victimization

Sexual Harassment and Legal Liability

Reducing the Violence Threat: the Targeted Human Resource

Approach

Summary

Key Terms and Concepts

Discussion Questions and Learning Activities

Web Sources

Recommended Readings

References

CHAPTER 6: SCHOOL VIOLENCE AND VICTIMIZATION

Learning Objectives

Introduction

Research on School Crime and Violence

Teachers At Risk

Explaining School Violence

Early Warning Signs of Violent Behavior

    Bullying

    Gangs and Schools

    Other Behavioral Warning Signs

Responding to School Violence

Zero Tolerance

Summary

Key Terms and Concepts

Discussion Questions and Learning Activities

Web Sources

Recommended Readings

References

CHAPTER 7: CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND INJUSTICE

Learning Objectives

Introduction

Sources of Injustice

Is the Justice System Broken?

The Police

    Remedies for Police Injustice

Prosecution and the Judicial Process

Crime Legislation, Sentencing, and Injustice

Three Strikes Law and Mandatory Minimums

Enforcing Laws: Sanctuary Cities Crime and Illegal Immigration

Felony Murder Rule

Sex Registration Laws

Corrections

    Community Corrections

    Early Release and Realignment

Prison Victimization

Summary

Key Terms and Concepts

Discussion Questions and Learning Activities

Web Sources

Recommended Readings

References

CHAPTER 8: HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND VICTIMIZATION

Learning Objectives

Introduction

Scope of Human Trafficking

Victims of Sex Trafficking

The Refugee Crisis and Trafficking

Sex Trafficking in the United States

Other Consequences of Sex Trafficking Victims

Labor Trafficking

Bonded Labor

Debt Bondage Among Migrant Laborers

Involuntary Domestic Servitude

Forced Child Labor

Child Soldiers

Laws Prohibiting Human Trafficking

Responding to Human Trafficking

T Nonimmigrant Status (T Visa)

U Nonimmigrant Status (U Visa)

Summary

Key Terms and Concepts

Discussion Questions and Learning Activities

Web Sources

Recommended Readings

References

CHAPTER 9: FIREARMS AND VICTIMIZATION

Learning Objectives

Introduction

Gun Laws

    The States

    Federal Laws

    The Bad of Guns

    Source of Illegal Guns

    The Good of Guns

Summary

Notes

Key Terms and Concepts

Discussion Questions and Learning

Activities

Web Sources

Recommended Readings

References

CHAPTER 10: RESPONDING TO CRIMINAL VICTIMIZATION

Learning Objectives

Introduction

Proactive Responses

    Community Violence Prevention Strategies

    Security and Protection Measures

    Environmental Criminology

Reactive Responses to Victimization

    Victim Rights and Compensation Programs

    Additional Legislation

Sexual Offender Notification Laws

    Sexually Violent Predator Act

    Antigang Legislation

    Gang Injunctions

    Crime Control Legislation in 2000 and Beyond

Victim Advocacy Groups

Civil Justice for Victims

Summary

Key Terms and Concepts

Discussion Questions and Learning Activities

Web Sources

Recommended Readings

References

Appendix A: Major Sources of Victimization Data and Information

Appendix B: Resource Guide

Appendix C: Victimization Checklist

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