The purpose of this book is to identify people at high risk of severe crime victimization, and to help inform how to provide victim services and assistance to victims most in need. Data from scientific research was used to examine differences in risk and use of victim services. It takes into account group characteristics such as gender, ethnicity, race, and low-income status, as well as other factors that help determine who is most probable to suffer from crime victimization and who are currently receiving victim assistance services.

The book describes trends in crime victimization and victim help service over time, including recent patterns. At a time when the need for victim assistance is increasingly important, this information can be of great significance to victim support strategies, criminal justice, and the wider public health community, and policy decisions that affect the lives of crime victims and frontline practitioners. The book mentions factors that can cause crime victimization, such as religion and social class differences, and how to avoid them.