The notorious witch trials of Salem, Massachusetts, occurring in 1692, have been studied from many perspectives including social, cultural, religious, historical, legal, medical, and psychological. Each of these fields has contributed important findings and valuable theories that the social sciences (especially criminology) cannot ignore going forward. This entry takes into account available medical findings, known relationships, and possible malice, incompetence, distorted perceptions, and cultural intolerance in our examination of the events so that historical justice can become more balanced.

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Crimes against women have long been ignored or given diminished priority within justice systems whether those systems were local, national, or international. However, as the world strives for gender equality, the international justice system has begun to recognize the distinctive repercussions for female victims, and how women can be targeted as an identified people group. Through the help of advances within diverse fields (including psychology, sociology, applied criminology, etc.), we have also come to better analyze the motivation(s) behind gender crimes and the circumstances under which they are committed. Through closer analysis of the motivations and circumstances regarding crimes against women, we have further developed and expanded concepts such as crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide. (While some notable trials are covered, for the sake of concision, not all are included.) Additionally, we have ascertained that one's sexuality can be utilized as a weapon or strategy of war.