Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc Victimology: The Study of the Victim Chapter 4
Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc Victimology Victimology is the study of victims and their contributory role, if any, in the criminal event.
Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc Typology of Victims (Wolfgang & Sellin) ► Based on victim-offender relationships. 1. Primary victimization 2. Secondary victimization 3. Tertiary victimization 4. Mutual victimization 5. No victimization
Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc Theories of Victimization Lifestyle model The concept of lifestyle plays key role. Routine activities approach Three key elements: motivated offender, suitable target, absence of guardian. Opportunity model Victimization depends on people’s lifestyle and daily activities that bring them in contact with offenders.
Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc Realities of Being a Victim Criminal victimization can result in: Physical trauma Financial loss Psychological trauma Post-crime or secondary victimization
Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc Current Directions in Victimology and Victims’ Rights Criminal Injuries Compensation Act First modern victim compensation statute New Zealand in 1963 Canadian Criminal Injuries Compensation Plan Created in Saskatchewan in 1967 Available in every province by 1988
Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc Current Directions in Victimology and Victims’ Rights Canadian Statement of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime An Act Respecting Victims of Crime – Victims’ Bill of Rights
Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc Current Services for Victims ► Police-Based Services ► Crown/Court Based Services ► Victims and Corrections ► System-Based Services
Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc Police-Based Victim Services ► Usually located in police departments. ► Provide victim support 24 hours a day. ► Services typically include: Crisis intervention Death notification Investigation information Assistance with compensation applications Referrals
Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc Crown/Court - Based Services ► Located within the courthouse. ► Work closely with Crown’s office. ► Emphasizes court preparation. ► Assists the victim/witness through the trial process. ► Victim/Witness Assistance Program Crown/court based program in Ontario
Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc Victims and Corrections ► Victims may attend parole hearings. ► Victim notification systems Offender release dates Changes to offender’s incarceration status
Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc System-Based Services ► Coordinated delivery of victim services. ► Removes the need to deal with various parts of criminal justice system independently. ► Currently implemented in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc Victim Restitution ► Involves the payment of compensation to the victim. ► Can be ordered as a stand alone sentence or as part of another e.g. probation order. ► Victim surcharge
Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education Canada Inc Future Directions in Victimology Is there a need for a fundamental structural change away from an adversarial approach to our criminal justice system towards a restorative victims-centred approach before victims’ rights can be truly respected?