ABSTRACT

This chapter goes beyond the personal and legal realms to focus more generally on the broader social and political consequences of victimization. In particular, the chapter discusses how victimization can result in high rates of residential turnover, which can compromise the ability of a community to exercise proper social control over residents. It also covers how victimization can result in elevated levels of fear of crime, which can in turn be a source of community change (e.g., residents withdrawing from neighborhood life). The chapter also covers how high-profile instances of victimization have been used by policy makers to generate support for a wide array of punitive policies that have done little to enhance public safety. It ends with a discussion of gaps and challenges as we move ahead, as well as a listing of key readings and discussion questions.