Vulnerable Victimizations

This edited volume showcases research on vulnerable victimizations, or more specifically, on individuals and/or populations that, due to their status, have less power in society, are socially controlled in unique ways in the criminal–legal system, or are members of marginalized groups with specialized considerations surrounding their victimization experiences, such as LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants, incarcerated persons, children, and females.

The scholarship focuses on the overall victimization experience, and at the same time is also centered on the victimization experiences of historically ignored and/or marginalized groups. Victimization of vulnerable individuals in the United States is increasing at a moment when marginalized groups continue to confront legislative and policy reforms that would undermine their liberty. It is as important now, as it has ever been, for the field of victimology to consider those who historically may not have the loudest (or any) voice to spotlight and investigate their experiences.
Vulnerable Victimizations will be a key resource for academics, researchers, and advanced students of Victimology, Criminology and Criminal Justice. The chapters included in this book were originally published in Victims & Offenders.

Philip Mulvey is Associate Professor in the Department of Victim Studies at Sam Houston State University. His academic work focuses on the experiences of individuals with mental illness under formal social control, as well as other marginalized groups, and justice policies that impact these individuals. Prior to entering academia, he was the program manager at the Health Disparities and Public Policy program at Northwestern University.

Shelly L. Clevenger is the Department Chair for the Department of Victim Studies at Sam Houston State University. Her area of expertise is cybervictimization, gender, and interpersonal victimization. She has peer-reviewed publications and books on these topics. She also is the receipient of many national awards.