This unique text draws from both the fields of criminology and psychology to provide a comprehensive examination of the two major areas that are most significantly sffected by violent crime - the crime victims themselves, and the larger sphere of their families, friends, neighboorhoods, and communities. Beginning with a discussion of the how we measure and study violent victimization, the authors then look at the immediate and long-term impact violent acts have upon the direct victims. The book then examines 'secondary victims' - family members, neighbors, friends, and the professionals...

Describes the findings from 20 studies designed to explore decision making by crime victims in the immediate aftermath of the victimization, as well as the role played by emotions and social influences in this process. An important question, of course, is whether they will report the crime. Annotati

Analyzing the findings of 20 studies, involving more than 5,000 people, this book explores the decision making process of the crime victim in the immediate aftermath of victimization. Using a broad range of innovative research techniques, the authors assess the effects of rape, robbery, burglary, and theft on individuals from diverse nationalities and ethnic backgrounds. This work will be of value to people who work directly with crime victims, and to researchers who are interested in the process of decision making under stressful circumstances.