Child Victims

Prof. Gwyneth Boswell

Abstract:
This paper provides some critical reflections on the relatively neglected topic of child
victims. In an attempt to address some current knowledge gaps, it considers the scope of
available crime data, examines how children may be victims on the grounds of their personal
characteristics, and looks at children’s relationship to prevailing legislation and societal
power dynamics, both in the UK and abroad. In highlighting some of the consequences of
child victimisation, it argues for the shoring up of both interprofessional responses and
potential prevention strategies.

Key words: Child Victims / Victimisation / Homicide / Abduction / Smacking