Everyone is aware of and appalled by the rising crime rate, but what is sometimes forgotten is the equally appalling rise in the victim rate. Public ordeals such as air disasters and multiple pile ups on the roads and more personal traumas like the long imprisonment of the hostages in Beirut and the crimes we read about in our local papers provoke immediate public sympathy and interest, but little real thought is given to the long-term effect of these events on the victims. Our initial pity for the victims is not turned into action, rather it is translated into concern that the arsonist, thief, murderer or kidnapper is caught.
This book is a word on behalf of the victim. It shows us how we can offer support and comfort to our friends and neighbours who are the victims of crime, advises on how to prevent crime happening to us and in our environment, informs us how to find sources of support should the worst happen, and describes how we can turn our sympathy into genuine help for the victim and their family.