NCJ Number
154927
Journal
International Review of Victimology Volume: 2 Issue: 4 Dated: (1993) Pages: 295-308
Date Published
1993
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This article addresses conceptual, ethical, and methodological difficulties encountered in identifying child crime victims and indirect child victims who witness or live with the impact of crimes against others.
Abstract
In contrast to abused children, children who are victims of other crimes tend to be forgotten by the criminal justice system. Further, conceptual difficulties arise in relation to individuals who are normally recognized as the primary victim in police crime reports but who suffer as witnesses to crime. Assuming there is a potential gap between being victimized and being recognized as a victim, researchers need to focus in particular on child victims. Many crimes against children may not be seen as crimes at all by adults, and these differential perceptions are important because children generally rely on adults to report crimes to the police on their behalf. Methodological difficulties associated with constructing the child's status as a victim by parents, police, and other professionals are discussed. The ability and willingness of children to express their feelings is considered to be essential in assessing the impact of crime on children. 47 references and 12 notes