NCJ Number
93283
Editor(s)
D E J MacNamara,
A Karmen
Date Published
1983
Length
251 pages
Annotation
These 10 papers focus on the victimization experienced and caused by six categories of deviants: homosexuals, drug abusers, prostitutes, members of religious cults, former mental patients, and prisoners.
Abstract
The articles focus on different types of victimization: physical injuries, emotional pain, economic expenses, social costs, and degradation of the quality of everyday life. Two issues predominate: the ways and extent to which members of deviant groups victimize as criminal offenders, troublemakers, and disruptive elements; and the ways and extent to which individuals who pursue deviant lifestyles are victimized by predatory criminals, fellow criminals, abusive officials, and grossly unjust policies. Several authors argue that deviants pose a substantial threat to the well-being of law-abiding citizens. Others argue that the harm cause by deviant groups has been exaggerated. Differing views are also presented on the extent of the harm suffered by deviant groups themselves. Chapter reference lists, notes, and author biographies are included. (Editor summary modified)