Women, Violence and Gray Zones: Resolving the Paradox of the Female Victim-Perpetrator

• NCJ Number: 238634
• Journal: Internet Journal of Criminology Dated: 2011
• Author(s): Dr. Stacy Banwell
• Date Published: 2011
• Length: 19 pages
• Publication Format: Article; Document (Online)
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The aim of this article is to theorise what it means for someone to be both a victim and a perpetrator of criminal violence.

Abstract

This article analyses the conflicting narratives surrounding the case of convicted Canadian offender Karla Homolka. As both a victim and a perpetrator of violent crime Karla's actions are positioned precariously between activity and passivity. It is precisely because of this blurring of boundaries - between agency and victimization - that her case has received widespread critical discussion. Despite attempts to 'recuperate' her narrative (Morrissey, 2003; Thompson and Ricard, 2009), Karla still presents us with a paradox. There is a need then to unpack the relationship between Karla's victimization (non-agency) and her criminal culpability (agency). This paper will consider whether or not Primo Levi's (1988) concept of 'gray zones' can resolve this paradox. (Published Abstract)