The author initially emphasizes that everyone is a victim of crime, whether through a direct attack, the distress of a victimized friend, fear of crime, or the financial costs of maintaining the criminal justice system. She also notes that while victims generally were revenged by family or tribe in primitive times, today they are unimportant in most courts. Ways that victims may precipitate crime are discussed, along with reactions of individuals to victimizations. Special attention is given to rape and domestic violence. The book suggests that persons wishing to help victims should encourage them to talk about the incident and then express sympathy without any critical remarks about the victim's behavior. The chapter on victim services considers victim service agencies offering moral support and practical assistance, victim-witness programs, and methods of recruiting volunteers for such projects. After describing restitution and compensation programs, the book presents a bill of rights for victims formulated by the National District Attorneys Association. The final chapter on reducing the risks of victimization covers precautions for streets and buildings, self-defense, identifying the attackers, locking doors and windows, and alarm systems. A bibliography of 32 references, a list of volunteer and State victim service organizations, a glossary, and an index are provided.