Criminal Violence : Patterns, Causes, and Prevention

Criminal Violence: Patterns, Causes, and Prevention is the first text available that reviews the field of violence in a form that is comprehensive, compelling, and accessible to undergraduates. The book offers coverage of topics and controversies in violence, based on the most current knowledge available. Criminologists Riedel and Welsh provide the "big picture" without oversimplifying.

A unique feature of Criminal Violence is the use of a consistent and engaging three-part framework for discussing each type of violence. This will help students understand the important relationship between research, theory, and application:

Patterns: The characteristics of victims, offenders, and offenses; places where violence occurs frequently; and trends over time.

Explanations: An examination of the major theories that have been used to understand each type of violence.

Interventions: Proposed solutions for each type of violence, including diverse legal and social strategies - both proactive (e.g., prevention) and reactive (e.g., punishment).

Specific subtopics covered include:

Homicide and Aggravated Assault

Gang Violence

Family Violence

Robbery

Rape and Sexual Assault

Urban Riots

Domestic Terrorism

Hate Crimes

The Role of Firearms in Violence

The Role of Drugs and Alcohol in Violence

Marc Riedel, Southern Illinois University. Wayne Welsh, Temple University.