Victimology

Learning Objectives

Whiteboards Write down the characteristics that you believe a ‘typical’ victim of crime may have... ...(e.g. What characteristics make someone more likely to be a victim?)

According to Lea & Young (1984): Black, working class young men are the most likely to be victims of crime. They are victims of the actions of other black, working class people. They are also victims of racist practices by the police.

Myth Reality Myths about Victims Vulnerable people (e.g. elderly, children) are most at risk of crime… We should beware of strangers!!! Burglars look out for big houses in good areas, with lots of expensive stuff to steal… Being a victim of crime once reduces your chance of being a victim again… Reality Young males are, by far, the most likely to be victims of crime (elderly women are the least likely) In nearly 90% of violent crimes (inc. rape, murder) the victim and offender know each other The most likely victims of property crime are low-income households Certain types of victim are subjected to repeat victimisation (e.g. 21% of houses burgled are burgled again) Myths about Victims

Physical consequences Psychological consequences Whiteboards Now on your boards write down three potential consequences of being a victim of crime. Try to identify one for each of the following: Physical consequences Psychological consequences Social consequences

Studies on Consequences Maguire (1994) Asked victims of burglaries what was the worst aspect of the experience: Only 32% said it was the loss of belongings. Shapland (1984) 75% of victims of assault/violence still express concerns about the incident two and half years later. Morris (1987) Victims of child abuse often continue to suffer shame and guilt as adults.

Discuss Are these consequences just confined to the victim? Should victims have a role in deciding the punishment of offenders? From where do we obtain data about victims?

Sources of Data Police and Court statistics National Victimisation surveys (e.g. BCS/CSEW) Local victim surveys (e.g. Lea & Young’s Islington Survey)