Victim Support and the Welfare State

This book provides a unique case study of Swedish victim support, examining how the victim movement has influenced welfare policy and crime policy in a changing welfare state. It offers insights into the distinctive features of the Swedish victim movement and its role in decentralization and privatization of the Swedish welfare state.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 166 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate history of Swedish victim support, offering a unique perspective on the role of victims within the criminal justice system. While much research on victim support has focused on the Anglosphere, this book provides a valuable case study for examining the dynamics of victim involvement in different legal systems. Sweden has implemented numerous laws and programs to support victims, witnessing significant growth in victim assistance services. However, alongside these advancements, welfare policy has become more restrictive, and crime policy, to some extent, more punitive.

To explore the impact of the victim movement on the evolving welfare state, this book relies on extensive archival material and in-depth interviews with key representatives from the Swedish Association for Victim Support (BOJ). It argues that BOJ played a crucial role in the decentralization and privatization of the Swedish welfare state, shaping its distinctive features and the form it has taken compared to other countries.

This book is of immense interest to scholars and students in the fields of criminology, sociology, social policy, civil society studies, and social work. It sheds light on the complexities of victimization, the role of victim support organizations, and the broader societal implications of addressing victim needs. By examining the Swedish experience, this book contributes to the growing body of knowledge on victimology and provides valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners working to enhance the well-being and rights of victims worldwide.

Weight: 349g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367786328