ABSTRACT
Victimization is an exciting area of theory and research and is growing rapidly. In this chapter we take stock of what we see as important emerging issues in victimization theory, research, and policy. These topics will include victimization by legal authorities (e.g., violence perpetrated by the police and correctional officers) and state-sponsored violence/terrorism (i.e., those that result in widespread deaths and displacement of citizens, such as the ongoing conflict in Syria). This chapter also covers the role that public concern about victimization plays in discussions regarding immigration policy both in the U.S. and Europe, particularly in light of the large body of research demonstrating that immigration is actually protective against violence and victimization. The chapter ends with a discussion of gaps and challenges as we move ahead, as well as a listing of key readings and discussion questions.
