Child Victims explores the range and extent of crimes committed against children and assesses their impact. The testimony of over two hundred children gives voice, for the first time, to their experiences, their views, and their needs. It examines how children attain the status of `victims' in the criminal justice system. Drawing on recent research findings, the authors examine each stage of the legal process that a child encounters, from the initial reporting of the offence, through police investigation, to the trial itself. They contrast the specialist response to victims of child sexual abuse with the experience of children who are victims of other crimes, thrust into an adult system which takes little account of their needs. Child Victims concludes by examining the role of support services and agencies dealing with child victims, and makes a number of key recommendations for future policy.

About the Author
Jane Morgan, who died in the summer of 1992, was lecturer in law at Unviersity College of Wales, Aberystwyth. Lucia Zedner is fellow and Tutor in Law at Corpus Christi College, Oxford

Reviews
'This important book should be read by every magistrate (and judge) concerned with the criminal justice system. It is lucid, well-written and very thought-provoking.' Allan Levy, Q.C., The Magistrate, June 1992
'What is most surprising about this book is the extent to which much of it appears to be hitherto untrodden ground. Increasing numbers of studies document the general invisibility of crime victims' needs in the hierarchy of criminal justice priorities, and Morgan and Zedner illustrate that what is true for adults is doubly so for children.' British Society of Criminology Newsletter, 6/92
`Notwithstanding the methodological problems of researching such a sensitive area Morgan and Zedner have produced some fascinating insights and original empirical data.' Times Higher Education Supplement
`The strength of their study is ... in the thoroughness of their research, which can be used as a basis for reform ... Those who are responsible for implementing the Victims Charter would do well to read this study, particularly as some of the recommendations made do not involve great expenditure.' SPTL Reporter
'The information contained in the study is unique, having been obtained directly from child victims. It is presented in coherent form making this an eminently readable book to be recommended to both academics and professionals.' Criminal Law Review (1992)
`readable and informative book ... "Child Victims" contains evidence of good practice which needs to be shared and co-ordinated ... This book will be of value to all involved in dealing with crime.' British Journal of Social Work, December 1992
`I know of nothing similar to date.' Tina Eadie, Nottingham University



Book Information
ISBN 9780198257004
Author Jane Morgan
Format Paperback
Page Count 218
Imprint Clarendon Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Dimensions(mm) 216mm * 137mm * 14mm