First published in 1989, this book provides a comprehensive introduction to the study of the victims of crime and the way in which they are treated in society generally, and in the criminal justice process in particular. The study of victims of crime is important to academics, the wider community of policy initiation and implementation, and to the political arena. Sandra Walklate examines the nature of this interest, and the contributions of victim-related research and criminal victimization surveys, in order to be able to provide the reader with a critical assessment of the issues involved. This book will be of interest to students of criminology, sociology, social policy and law, as well as victim support workers, probation officers, social workers, police officers and all those interested in the plight of victims of crime.