This unique book draws from both the fields of criminology and psychology to provide a comprehensive examination of the effects of violent crime, from the actual victim to the community they come from. R Barry Ruback and Martie M Thompson draw upon the most recent findings and interpretations of research on violent victimization, including violent crime rate statistics. They begin with a discussion of how violent victimization can be measured and studied and then: * look at the immediate and long-term impact violent acts have upon the direct victims * examine "secondary victims" - family members, neighbours, friends, and the professionals involved in investigating and prosecuting the crime and helping the victim * consider the impact of violent crime on neighborhoods and communities The authors conclude with recommendations of effective interventions that can be made at the levels of the individual, the community, and the criminal justice and mental health systems. This comprehensive treatment features discussion questions, end-of-chapter summaries, illustrative cartoons, and special topic boxes.