Rural Victims of Crime: Representations, Realities and Responses

Rural Victims of Crime is a groundbreaking book that examines and challenges the urban bias of victimization and victimology in criminological study. It provides international perspectives and explores the impact of geographic location on the type and prevalence of victimization, focusing on notions of place and space and constructions of rural victims in various contexts. The book broadens conceptualizations of the victim and associated impacts and considers both formal and informal responses to rural victimization. It is an essential resource for academics, students, and practitioners in criminology, criminal justice, rural studies, victimology, geography, sociology, and spatiality.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 266 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Rural Victims of Crime is a groundbreaking and comprehensive examination of the rural victim, challenging the urban bias prevalent in victimization and victimology research. It delves into the conceptual constructs of a victim and exposes the false assumption that rural areas are relatively crime-free, thereby disregarding the existence of victims in these regions. The book offers international perspectives, with chapters focusing on notions of place and space and the constructions of rural victims across various contexts. It explores the profound impact that geographic location has on the type and prevalence of victimization.

The concept of victimization traditionally revolves around interpersonal relationships between humans, neglecting the significant impact of victimization on non-humans and the natural and built environment. Rural Victims of Crime addresses this gap by discussing existing notions of victimology in relation to non-human subjects, broadening conceptualizations of the victim and the associated consequences resulting from victimization. The book is structured into three parts:

Part 1: Conceptualizing the Rural Victim: This section explores the characteristics and experiences of rural victims, including their unique vulnerabilities, challenges, and coping strategies. It examines the social, economic, and cultural factors that contribute to rural victimization and highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of the rural victim.

Part 2: Enhancing Understanding of Rural Victimization: This section provides a detailed analysis of the realities of rural victimization, including the types of crimes that occur in rural areas, the perpetrators, and the victims. It explores the contextual factors that influence rural victimization and the challenges faced by rural communities in responding to crime.

Part 3: Considering Formal and Informal Responses to Rural Victimization: This section examines both formal and informal responses to rural victimization, including law enforcement, criminal justice systems, and community-based initiatives. It explores the strengths and limitations of these responses and discusses the importance of collaboration and coordination among different stakeholders to address rural victimization effectively.

Chapters in the book are accompanied by practical and contemporary case studies, which help to connect theory with practice. These case studies provide real-world examples of rural victimization and showcase the effectiveness of various interventions and strategies in addressing this issue.

Rural Victims of Crime is an essential and valuable resource for academics, students, and practitioners in the fields of criminology, criminal justice, rural studies, victimology, geography, sociology, and spatiality. It offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding rural victimization and provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by rural communities in combating crime and promoting justice.

Weight: 526g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367677633