The title is divided into three sections, namely theory and policy, practice and the future of victimology in South Africa. Combining the theory of victimology and policy with the practical realities of service providers as well as the needs of certain groups of victims, will never be easy. However, an attempt has been made to assess recent advances in theory, policy and practice. The sections are written in a manner that makes them useful and required reading for students, practitioners, researchers, policy makers, role-players in the criminal justice system and any other individual interested in the plight of crime victims in South Africa.