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ROUTLEDGE HANDBOOK ON VICTIMS ISSUES IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
The Routledge Handbook on Victims Issues in Criminal Justice is a comprehensive and authoritative handbook on current issues, with a distinctive emphasis on the delivery of suitable and effective services. The editor provides an introduction and conclusion to the handbook, synthesizing original contributions from current leaders in the field, surveying victims rights in the United States, victim participation in the criminal justice system, victims welfare and needs, and most notably the services that have been developed in response. A section on special populations in the United States brings focus to current and emerging issues faced within the country, while a section covering international and transnational victimization explores globalization and the implications of other legal traditions and systems.
This handbook addresses the crucial and complex topic of victims issues, examining both societal and governmental reactions to victims concerns and acquainting readers with the issues that discord may cause.
Cliff Roberson, LL.M., Ph.D., is an Emeritus Professor of Criminal Justice at Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas, and a retired Professor of Criminology at California State University, Fresno, California. His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Human Behavior from U.S. International University; an LL.M., in Criminal Law, Criminology, and Psychiatry from George Washington University; a J.D. from American University; a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Missouri; and one year of post-graduate study at the University of Virginia School of Law.
His previous academic experiences include Associate Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Arkansas Tech University; Dean of Arts and Sciences, University of Houston, Victoria; Director of Programs, National College of District Attorneys; Professor of Criminology and Director of Justice Center, California State University, Fresno; and Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, St. Edwards University. His non-academic experience includes services as a U.S. Marine Corps infantry officer, as well as service as a military judge and marine judge advocate. Other legal experience includes time as a Trial Supervisor, Office State Counsel for Offenders, Texas Board of Criminal Justice, and judge pro tempore in the California Courts. He has authored or co-authored over 60 books and texts on legal subjects.
Within victimology, in addition to journal articles, textbooks, and research reports, there is a continuing need to fill in the gaps. This Handbook on Victims Issues , edited by Cliff Roberson, will stand out as such a document. This scholarly text offers a variety of information, and could serve as an excellent companion anthology for an advanced course. John P. Dussich , Ph.D., Emeritus Professor, California State University
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Robersons Handbook on Victims Issues in Criminal Justice is an indispensable resource for any criminal justice professional who deals with crime victims. The major topics are thoroughly covered, as well as cutting-edge topics, including restorative justice and LGBT victims. Robert Winters, J.D., Professor, Kaplan University
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First published 2017
by Routledge
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and by Routledge
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Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business
2017 Taylor & Francis
The right of the editor to be identified as the author of the editorial material, and of the authors for their individual chapters, has been asserted in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilised in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers.
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Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data
A catalog record for this book has been requested
ISBN: 978-1-138-18471-8 (hbk)
ISBN: 978-1-315-64496-7 (ebk)
Typeset in Bembo
by Swales & Willis Ltd, Exeter, Devon, UK
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The idea of a handbook on victimology and victim services originated while attending a World Society of Victimology Congress in Perth, Australia. As I listened to the inspiring presentations by individuals who are dedicated to providing the best services possible to victims of crime, I wondered if presentations could be included in a handbook that would be available to both current and future students and professionals in victims services. After obtaining the support of Routledge publisher professionals, I requested chapter contributions from the leaders in the fields of victims services and victimology. I was surprised at how many professionals responded and submitted chapters in their areas of expertise.
The handbook is divided into four parts. Part I is an overall introduction to victim services. Part II discusses victim issues regarding specific types of victimization. Part III discusses victim services and Part IV discusses various victimology and victim services organization. Also included in Part IV is the final chapter, which deals with the issues involving victims and the media. While I am listed as the sole editor of the handbook, numerous others have helped bring this project to life including the Routledge professionals: Ellen Boyne, Mickey Braswell, and Eve Strillacci. In addition, I appreciate the work of the production editor Adam Bell and the copy-editor, Ting Baker, in correcting all the mistakes in the manuscript and producing a professional-quality publication.
Cliff Roberson
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Elena Azaola
For many years, the victim has been a forgotten party in the worlds criminal justice systems. The victims rights movement has helped change that and now in most countries the victim is an integral part of any criminal case. The victims movement has also helped victims and reduced their pain of victimization.
Having spent the majority of my professional life advocating for human rights and the rights of crime victims, this movement is seen as a welcomed and much needed reform to the justice systems. There are a few countries that still need to join the movement and in all countries there is still a lot more that needs to be done to assist victims and to alleviate their suffering.
While the victims rights movement has accomplished many goals and reforms in most of the worlds justice systems, it is not enough. We need to continue and stress that our goals are to ensure that each and every victim receives help, counseling, and, if needed, compensation. Instead of being a silent party in a criminal case, the victims status has been elevated and his or her rights should continue to be one of the primary considerations of law enforcement, courts, and corrections systems. The professionals in each countrys criminal justice system should work on ensuring that never again will the victim be the forgotten party in any criminal case.
