image: This new textbook from Sage Publications explores cutting edge research in victimology. view more
Credit: Sage Publications
College students will be introduced to the causes and consequences of victimology in a new textbook authored by Lisa Muftic of Sam Houston State University and Leah E. Daigle of Georgia State University.
Using cutting edge research on hot topics in the field, Victimology demonstrates how the criminal justice system accommodates and assists victims and how other elements of society, such as the media, deal with crime victims. The book examines the extent of victimization in society, and the theories involved in the study of victimology.
"Within each chapter we incorporated issues that made recent headlines with a focus on research," said Muftic. "It's not so much about telling stories, but about using science, and the scientific method, to expand on our understanding of victims and victimization."
In addition to examining victims' rights and remedies, the book explores various types of victimization, including homicide, sexual assault, intimate partner violence and special populations, such as people with mental illness. It also looks at emerging topics in victimization, including terrorism, hate crimes, human trafficking, and the overlap between victims and offenders.
Because of Muftic's extensive experience conducting research abroad, a chapter on comparative victimology is included. Furthermore, each chapter highlights an international issue giving students the experience of exploring the issues and challenges victims face in other countries.
The book also highlights stories and studies from Sam Houston State University. A chapter on homicide victimization highlights the story of Justin Lopez, a SHSU kinesiology student whose mother was murdered by an ex-boyfriend in a domestic violence incident. Justin Lopez and his sister, Porsha, who witnessed the shooting, founded Angie's Awareness Angels, an advocacy group against domestic violence.
The book also profiles research by Leana Bouffard, a faculty member at the College, and Maria Koeppel, a Ph.D. graduate, on the short and long term health effects of repeated bullying on victims. The study found that those who experience chronic bullying before age 12 were likely to suffer from mental health issues, including homelessness, or to be in poor or fair health as they become young adults. That study was published by Justice Quarterly in 2014.
Victimology is available from Sage Publications at https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/victimology/book243808#Daigle%20and%20Muftic
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