ijcs

International Journal of Criminology and Sociology

A Comparative Analysis of Human Trafficking: The United States of America (USA) and the Republic of South Africa (RSA)
Pages 275-283
Mark M. Lanier, C. Thomas Farrell and Christiaan Bezuidenhout

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-4409.2014.03.23

Published: 23 September 2014

Open Access 


Abstract: Human trafficking is a serious global problem that transcends international borders and disciplinary boundaries. It presents a conglomeration of problems generally dealt with by public health, criminal justice, social service and immigration agencies. Victim advocates state that millions are victimized each year. The data suggest that law enforcement agencies perceive human trafficking to be of greater, or equal, concern for the myriad of social institutions and participants affected by human trafficking than for law enforcement, itself. Policy recommendations are to refocus the law enforcement response - which may include various approaches that can simultaneously benefit public health - by incorporating an Epidemiological Criminology framework to help to guide the development of more systematic and integrative insight into the world of human trafficking.

Keywords: Human trafficking, public health, epidemiological criminology.
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International Journal of Criminology and Sociology

Community Policing, Workplace Structure and Attitudes Toward Lesbians and Gay Men and their Civil Liberties
Pages 284-299
Mary Bernstein and Stephen Wulff

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-4409.2014.03.24

Published: 23 September 2014

Open Access 


Abstract: While criminal justice workplaces, such as the police and prisons, are noted for reproducing both gender inequality and inequality based on sexuality or sexual orientation, this paper examines whether reorganizing the workplace can alter those interactions and reduce inequality. We draw on survey data from a police department to theorize the likely impact of the move toward community policing and rehabilitative models of justice on the attitudes of heterosexual sworn officers and civilian employees toward lesbians and gay men and their civil rights. Our analysis shows that sworn officers and civilian employees’ attitudes toward community policing and rehabilitation significantly affect their views on lesbians and gay men and their civil liberties both directly and indirectly. We conclude by suggesting the policy implications of our findings and avenues for future research.

Keywords: Sexual Orientation and Policing, Gender, Workplace Inequality, Lesbians and Gay Men in Policing.
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International Journal of Criminology and Sociology

Counting Shadows – Measuring trafficking in Persons in Australia
Pages 249-266
Matthew Wise and Andreas Schloenhardt

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-4409.2014.03.21

Published: 08 September 2014

Open Access 


Abstract: The true extent and nature of trafficking in persons in Australia remains a mystery despite wild speculations about the scale of this problem. This article aims to dispel some of the confusion surrounding trafficking in persons by examining the claims made about the prevalence of this offence and displacing many of the myths about the number of victims in Australia. This involves an analysis of the Australian Government’s approach to data collection and a critical examination of the data provided by non-official sources, especially non-governmental organisations and advocacy groups. The article also investigates the ‘dark figure’ of trafficking in persons in Australia and concludes by developing recommendations to measure trafficking in persons in Australia more accurately and by offering directions for further research in this field.

Keywords: Trafficking in persons, Australia, dark figure of crime, trafficked persons.
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International Journal of Criminology and Sociology

Social Disorganization and Neighborhood Crime in Argentine Shantytowns
Pages 300-308
Daniel Míguez

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-4409.2014.03.25

Published: 23 September 2014

Open Access 


Abstract: This study analyzes the effects of conflictive social networks on a particular form of neighborhood crime called ‘street harassment’ in Argentine shantytowns. The data for the study is provided by a victimization survey applied in six Argentine cities, comparing the association between crime and neighborhood cohesion in different social strata. The study is based on social disorganization theory, but it adds two new insights to this perspective by exploring the role of political leadership and culture. Its main conclusion is that while conflictive social networks are strongly associated with neighborhood crime, these are concentrated in small numbers of shantytown dwellers. In addition, results also reveal that ambivalent attitudes towards conventional social principles and lack of trust in local political leadership are associated with neighborhood conflicts and crime.

Keywords: Culture, politics, crime, networks, poverty.
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IJSC

Thinking Differently about ‘False Allegations’ in Cases of Rape: The Search for Truth
Pages 239-248
Jacqueline M. Wheatcroft and Sandra Walklate

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-4409.2014.03.20

Published: 27 August 2014

Open Access 


Abstract: The myth ‘cry wolf’ continues to pose particular problems for campaigners, policy makers and practitioners. This paper subjects this myth, and the way in which it has been debated, to critical scrutiny with a view to suggesting an alternative and better way of challenging the presumption both in theory and in practice that women ‘cry wolf’. In reflecting on lessons learned that presume believability in establishing rapport from the treatment of children in sexual offence cases the paper suggests that such practices can maximise efficacy in the treatment of women in cases of rape. It concludes that by leaving accusatory language behind, complainants, practitioners and judicial parties may experience more successful pathways to truth.

Keywords: False Allegation, Rape, Truth, Interactional Belief.
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