Veronika Anna Szontagh: Roma as well? A victim too? Victim blaming against minority victims of prejudice-motivated crimes

Abstract

Aim: This book review presents the 2025 monograph by Veronika Anna Szontagh, which examines the relationship between victim blaming and prejudice-motivated crimes, with a focus on victims from the Roma minority.
Methodology: Following the structure of the volume, the review outlines the theoretical framework, the legal-historical and legal-dogmatic sections, as well as the case studies based on the Gyöngyöspata case and the Tavaszmező Street case.

Findings: The book argues that victim blaming directed at Roma victims is a structural phenomenon, reinforced by social prejudices, populist narratives, institutional shortcomings, and media discourses.

Value: The volume provides a comprehensive overview at the intersection of criminology, victimology, criminal law, and minority studies, supported by empirical elements; therefore, it may be particularly useful for legal professionals, criminologists, social scientists, and practitioners working in victim protection.