The overview focuses on the impacts of laws and social factors on victims, various victimology theories, the measurement of crime an its effects, and the civil and criminal justice systems and victims. The chapters on responses to victimization examine the physical, mental, and financial consequences of victimization and the empowerment of victims through media coverage, legislation, public speaking, and fundraising. The chapters on special types of victims discuss theories, impacts, and special needs of the survivors of homicide victims; female victims of sexual assault, stranger rape, acquaintance rape, martial rape, and sexual harassment; victims of spouse abuse; victims of child abuse; senior citizens who are victims of elder abuse and other types of crimes; victims of hate crimes; HIV/AIDS victim; victims with disabilities; and homosexual victims. The chapters on victims' rights explain negligence and intentional torts, third-party liability and insurance, the constitutional and civil rights of victims, victim compensation, and restitution. They also discuss the history, use, and effect of victim impact statements and emerging trends related to campus crime, stalking workplace violence, gang violence, rural crime victims, victims of violence, the use of the Internet for acquiring knowledge, and the study of victimology. Tables, figures, definitions of major terms used in each chapter, chapter discussion questions, suggested readings for each chapter, index, and appended list of crucial dates in the victims' rights movement