Chapter Three Victims and Victimization

The Victim’s Role Victimology Victimologists The study of the victim’s role in criminal events. Victimologists Criminologists who focus on the victims of crime. LO1: Describe the victim’s role in the crime process.

Victimization’s Cost to Society Economic Loss System costs Individual costs Costs related directly to the victim Costs related indirectly to victim or society Intangible costs LO 2: Know the greatest problems faced by crime victims.

Victimization’s Cost to Society LO 2: Know the greatest problems faced by crime victims.

Class Discussion/Activity Be prepared to discuss with other students in your class the question of whether victims of assault should receive financial compensation for their pains suffered, including medical bills, psychological counseling, reimbursement for wages etc. What other costs would you expect if you were assaulted and unable to work for several months? Who should pay for it?

Victimization’s Cost to Society Blaming the Victim Long-Term Stress PTSD Adolescent stress Relationship stress Fear Antisocial Behavior Cycle of Violence LO1: Describe the victim’s role in the crime process. LO 3: Know what is meant by the term cycle of violence

The Nature of Victimization The Social Ecology of Victimization Violent crimes More likely in: Public areas Commercial establishments Crime in Schools LO 4: Be familiar with the ecology of victimization risk.

The Nature of Victimization The Victim’s Household Larger African American Western Urban LO 5: Describe the most dominant victim characteristics.

The Nature of Victimization Victim Characteristics Gender Age Social status Race/Ethnicity Marital Status Repeat Victimization LO 5: Describe the most dominant victim characteristics.

The Nature of Victimization Policies and Issues in Criminology: Elder Victims Older adults face high risks of financial, physical, and psychological abuse These abuses often go undetected (32% reported) Family members or caregivers are often the perpetrators (76%) Rapidly increasing elder population has potential for increase in frequency of incidents of abuse LO 6: Be familiar with the most important theories of victimization.

The Nature of Victimization Victims and Their Criminals Males are more likely to be victimized by a stranger Females are more likely to be victimized by a relative or acquaintance Crimes tend to be intraracial LO 6: Be familiar with the most important theories of victimization.

Class Discussion/Activity Discuss with other students in the class some of the reasons why males are more likely to be victimized by a stranger and females are more likely to be victimized by someone they know.

Theories of Victimization Victim Precipitation Theory Active precipitation Passive precipitation Victim Impulsivity LO1: Describe the victim’s role in the crime process. LO 6: Be familiar with the most important theories of victimization.

Theories of Victimization Lifestyle Theories High-Risk Lifestyles College Lifestyle Criminal Lifestyle Victim or Criminal? Deviant Place Theory Honor codes LO1: Describe the victim’s role in the crime process. LO 6: Be familiar with the most important theories of victimization.

Theories of Victimization Routine Activities Theory Suitable targets Capable guardians Motivated offenders Crime and everyday life routine Research support Routine activities and lifestyle LO 6: Be familiar with the most important theories of victimization.

Theories of Victimization LO 6: Be familiar with the most important theories of victimization.

Theories of Victimization LO1: Describe the victim’s role in the crime process. LO 6: Be familiar with the most important theories of victimization.

Caring for the Victim Victim Service Programs Victim-Witness assistance programs Victim compensation Victim advocates Victim impact statements Public education Crisis intervention Victim-Offender reconciliation programs (VORP) Victim notification Legal protection for victims LO 2: Know the greatest problems faced by crime victims.

Caring for the Victim Victims’ Rights Victims’ Bill of rights The right to be notified of proceedings and the status of the defendant. The right to be present at criminal justice proceedings. The right to make a statement at sentencing and to receive restitution from a convicted offender. The right to be consulted before a case is dismissed or a plea bargain entered. The right to a speedy trial. The right to keep the victim’s information confidential. LO 2: Know the greatest problems faced by crime victims.

Class Discussion/Activity Discuss with other students in your class about the opportunities victims have to participate in the Criminal Justice System. Should victim’s rights be expanded? If yes, what rights do you think victims should have?

Caring for the Victim Self-protection Fighting back Using firearms Offender registration LO1: Describe the victim’s role in the crime process. LO 2: Know the greatest problems faced by crime victims.

Policies in Crime: Jesse Timmendequas and Megan’s Law Timmendequas had a prior conviction and prison term for sexual assault on a child Timmendequas sexually assaulted and murdered 7-year-old Megan Kanka Highly publicized case led to enactment of Sex Offender Registration Act ( Megan’s Law) Offender must register with local police Offender must notify police when he moves Many other states duplicated this law LO 2: Know the greatest problems faced by crime victims.