Victimizing Vulnerable Groups—Images of Uniquely High-Risk Crime Targets

Victimization varies across the population. Selected characteristics of some individuals and groups make them more vulnerable to crime than others. This is the first reader to focus on the most vulnerable among us. Based in science and free of statistical jargon, this collection goes beyond cursory explanations to examine victimization experiences among members of uniquely susceptible crime targets. Such groups include: homeless women; pregnant drug addicts; inmates with H.I.V.; international students; residents of developing nations; and non-human animals.

Coston identifies twenty-five sub-groups and uses a multi-disciplinary approach to provide readers with important background information, an outline of fundamental issues, and a variety of particular germinal ideas. Contributors present a well-rounded view of the nature of the problems faced by each group, including critiques of past and current initiatives and suggestions for practical policy strategies.

CHARISSE TIA MARIA COSTON is Associate Professor of Criminal Justice at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She received her Ph.D. from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. She sits on the editorial boards ofCriminology and Public Policy, American Journal of Criminal Justice,Creative Sociology, and The Journal of Critical Criminology. She has published a number of articles in journals such asThe Victimologist, Deviant Behavior, and The International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice, along with book chapters and numerous book reviews.