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TOWARDS A CRITICAL VICTIMOLOGY

NCJ Number
147665
Editor(s)
E A Fattah
Date Published
1992
Length
446 pages
Annotation
The law and order perspective on victim rights is challenged, and the way in which victim initiatives have emerged is examined.
Abstract
The book provides a critique of recent developments in the discipline of victimology, particularly the shift away from a scholarly stance toward a lobbying posture. In addition, the book highlights the danger of "missionary zeal" exhibited by some victimologists on behalf of crime victims. The book is intended not only for academics and researchers in law and the social sciences but also for policymakers and criminal justice practitioners. The first part presents critical views on victimology and victim policy and discusses research implications of conflicting victimology conceptions. The second part looks at the victim's role in the penal process, while the third part explores initiatives to help crime victims (reconciliation, restitution, and victim services). The United Nations Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power is critiqued. References, notes