The Global Victimization of Children

Devoting a chapter to each of eight distinct forms of child victimization, this book discusses the nature of the victimization, its global dimensions and prevalence, and measures governments and/or others are taking, or failing to take, to combat the harm.

This book describes the concept of child victimization in all its facets. Millions of young people throughout the world face violence, sexual, physical, and emotional abuse and exploitation on a daily basis. The worldwide victimization of young people can be prevented, or, at least, its incidence can be greatly reduced, if purposeful action is taken to do so. This volume researches and documents some of the ways in which young people throughout the world are victimized, and suggests strategies for preventing various forms of child vistimization. Eight distinct forms of victimization are identified and analyzed in detail. Included are discussions on child prostitution and pornography, economic exploitation through child labor and trafficking, physical and other abuse inflicted on young people in schools and other institutions, the use of children as armed combatants, and the denial of the basic needs and rights of children to such things as home and to education. In each chapter the authors discuss the nature of the victimization, its global dimensions and prevalence, and the measures governments and/or others are taking, or failing to take, to combat the harm based on the concept that youth victimization is a form of government crime.

Chapter 1: Introduction

The Problem
Varieties of Victimization
Child Victimization as a Crime
Addressing the Problem

Chapter 2: Child Labor

Why Children Work
Extent & Prevalence
Children s Work: Issues in Child Labor
The Victimization of Children Who Work
The Law
Eliminating Child Labor
Conclusion

Chapter 3: Abandoned Children and Street Children

Definition of Terms
Prevalence
The Children Behind the Numbers
Surviving the Streets
Social Networks
Street Children as Victims
Addressing the Problem
Conclusion

Chapter 4: Child Soldiers

Definition of a Child Soldier
The Law
Extent and Prevalence
Nature of Victimization
How Children Become Child Soldiers
Addressing the Problem
Conclusion

Chapter 5: Trafficking

Definition of Child Trafficking
Form of Trafficking
Prevalence
Causes of Trafficking
Victims and Victimizers
Recruiting and Controlling Victims
Health Hazards
Laws
Prevention and Help
Conclusion

Chapter 6: Child Pornography

The Problem
Prevalence
The Role of the Internet
Offenders
Victims
Laws Against Child Pornography
Dealing With the Problem and Prevention
Conclusion

Chapter 7: Institutional Absuse

Definition
Schools
Orphanages and Residential Care
Detention and Correctional Institutions
Stopping Institutional Victimization
Conclusion


Chapter 8: Denial of Education

Education is Essential
Prevalence
Barriers to Education
Issues in Educating the Young
The Color of (Ill-Spent) Money
Gender and Education: The Case of Girls
Power of Social Stratification
International Laws and Initiatives
Achieving `Universal Education
Conclusion

Chapter 9: Peer Victimization

Definining Terms
Counting Peer Victimization
Victims and Victimizers
The Harm Kids Can Do
Conditions Conducive to Peer Vicitimization
Prevention
Conclusion

Chapter 10: Fighting Child Victimization

At the Individual Level
At the Organizational Level
Systemic Approaches
Concluding Thoughts