Victimology: A Conversion of Narratives

Abstract

The criminal justice landscape has evolved significantly during the last four decades, with its predominant focus on the defendant (and, if found guilty, convicted offender) shifting to the background, while the role and experiences of the victim have emerged as centre stage, rhetorically at least. The focus of this book is to critically examine the range of complex factors that have impacted upon and altered this landscape. In particular, the interplay between victimology as an academic discipline, the creation and activism of special interest groups, and their impact upon policy making and professional practices. The merger of narratives, from the basic tenets of the early positivist victimologists to the challenges of radical and critical approaches, have altered the trajectory of the criminal justice process, influencing political rhetoric and policy responses, challenging professional cultures and changing perceptions of the crime victim and their treatment. This chapter provides a brief overview of the historical, social and political contexts that have shaped the criminal justice landscape and explores the emergence of victimology as an academic discipline; its origins, influence, impact and potential for the future. The chapter then outlines how the remainder of the volume is organised, briefly introducing the content of the contributions.