The section on the victim of criminal violence surveys research literature on the psychological reactions of crime victims. It focuses on demographic characteristics, coping mechanisms, the role of friends in providing social support, the criminal justice system, and the mental health delivery system. Special types of victims, such as family members of victims who are killed or seriously injured, victims of family violence, and child victims are also examined. The report suggests ways in which psychologists can apply existing knowledge and techniques to help victims and how they can develop better theory, more effective interventions, and more widely available assistance. The final section considers laws that relate to the processing of victims and offenders through the criminal justice system; address victims' concerns within the civil justice system; and provide for delivery of services, benefits, and 'rights' to victims of crime and violence. The report identifies a need for systematic psychological research to assess the extent to which the assumptions behind current and proposed public and legal policies are valid. It calls for coordinated services by formal (psychologists) and informal (police) providers. Forty footnotes and 151 references are included.