Discussion-Victimless Crime

Natalie Davies is a thirty-eight-year-old single mother of two-an eleven-year-old daughter, Brandi, and a seven-year-old third grader, Jenny. Natalie married young and never attended college. After her divorce four years ago, she went back to school and obtained a certificate in paralegal studies. After returning to the workforce, she was motivated by others, as well as her modest salary, to return to school to work on her bachelor's degree. She tells family and friends that she wants to be a role model for her daughters and also wants to be able to provide for their college education when the time comes.

Natalie decided to enroll in an online program to accommodate her work schedule and hectic family life that includes spending as much time as possible with her daughters, while also making time for herself. Natalie has hopes of working toward a master's degree, possibly in counseling. Because of her two daughters and interest in working with people, she has decided to pursue an undergraduate degree in psychology.

A week after classes started, there was a commotion on Natalie's block. Two police cruisers were at a house down the street, along with an unmarked police car. Natalie did not know the neighbor who lived there very well. It was another single mother with three young children. Natalie learned that the woman was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. Her three children were placed in foster care while the woman waited for trial, or could find the money to post her bond.

Apparently, the woman was using painkillers that she had purchased from an undercover police officer. She had injured her back several years ago and became addicted to the pills. Although her injury no longer bothered her, she continued to use the painkillers. Her mood would fluctuate if she did not get the pills and she would at times take out her anger on the children. When using the pills, she was disoriented and would at times jeopardize her children's safety. She wanted to go into rehab but could not afford the treatment.
Natalie cannot decide who the victim in this crime is. Are the victims the children, the people without insurance, or society in general? Natalie's daughters asked her why the neighbor was arrested and her children were in foster care away from their "mommy?"

Research the concept of "victimless crime" using the textbook, the Argosy University online library resources, and the Internet. Select two resources for use in your discussion. Be sure that you have the following types of resources:

A news media report of what may be considered a victimless crime, such as the given example.

A scholarly, peer-reviewed article on the type of crime covered in your selected news media report. The peer-reviewed article should identify potential costs of the crime to society as well as intervention approaches.

Based on the scenario, and drawing on your readings and observations, respond to the following:

Do you think the term victimless crime is misleading? Why or why not?