From serial murder to elder abuse, this book presents current forms of fatal violence, including vampirism and cannibalism. The text examines meanings and measures of violence; considers theories used to explain violence; explores violence in other countries; and provides a historical account of violence in the United States. It also covers various types of criminal violence, such as homicide, assault, robbery, rape, sexual assault, and hate crimes. Focusing on violence in specific settings, the author discusses family violence, workplace violence, school violence, and gang violence. The final chapter summarizes the major themes of criminal violence by exploring its patterns and causes.