ABSTRACT

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides an overview of the prevalence of violence both committed and experienced by individuals, groups, and organizations. It identifies and compares the social and policy problem between Canada and other similar countries such as other Anglo-American democracies. The book presents an overview and analysis of different subtypes of political and criminological violence in Canadian society. It analyzes the legacy of individual and collective violence by and against Native Canadians in the context of internal colonialism. The book reviews the incidence of, relationships between, and literature on violence by and against children in Canada. It also analyzes the frequency of real or alleged violence by police against citizens in urban environments in Canada. The book also provides examples of violent incidents in which the Canadian government has been involved to highlight the difficulties confronting a government and the decisions it must make.