Is there an ideal missing person? A theoretical case study using long-term unresolved missing persons cases
European Journal of Criminology
Published online on January 16, 2026
Abstract
European Journal of Criminology, Ahead of Print.
Whether a missing person is considered to meet preconceived norms and societal expectations heavily influences the response of the police, public, and media. Nils Christie's ‘ideal victim’ theory therefore lends itself well to the study of missing people. ...
Whether a missing person is considered to meet preconceived norms and societal expectations heavily influences the response of the police, public, and media. Nils Christie's ‘ideal victim’ theory therefore lends itself well to the study of missing people. ...