Understanding Violence and Victimization addresses both victimization theories and a variety of violence and offender relationships offering practical responses to crime. The book provides case studies called focuses to enhance a particular point and then generate discussion. The book contains six chapters. Chapter 1 addresses the theories of victimization and measures of tabulating victim data. It introduces victimization and how and why people are victimized. Chapter 2 discusses intimate victimizations, such as domestic violence, acquaintance rape, and stalking addressing legal and social issues of intimate violence and prevention measures. Chapter 3 addresses stranger violence, in particular murder and robbery. The chapter focuses on situations where persons become victims of violence by strangers and preventive measures to avoid victimization. There is also a discussion of serial killers, their motives and their victims. Chapter 4 focuses on workplace violence and harassment with emphasis on the legal liabilities and reducing the threat of violence. Chapter 5 addresses school violence and victimization offering explanations, identifying early warning signs, and responding to the threat of school violence. In the final chapter, there are discussions on proactive and reactive strategies to victimization. In addition, there are discussions on personal defense measures, including the use of firearms and their prevention of victimization, as well as a discussion on the environment determining the potential for victimization. Appendices, index