Individual papers examine trends and patterns of criminal victimization in the United States, the impacts on victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, the victimization of children and youth, and how victims come to terms with the sudden and traumatic death of a spouse or child. Further papers examine hate crime victimization in the United States, present the findings of a longitudinal study on psychological impacts of victimization, and discuss the concept of victims as principal actors in criminal transactions and the implications of this concept for victim services and crime prevention. Other papers explore violence prevention through victim assistance, the development and current nature of the victims' movement, victim services in Europe, victim participation in the criminal justice system, restitution, victim-offender reconciliation, victim compensation, and victim policy that produces healing rather than suffering. Figures, tables, chapter reference lists, and index