Crime Victims: An Introduction to Victimology Seventh Edition By Andrew Karmen Chapter Two: The Rediscovery of Crime Victims

History of Victims In ancient times, criminal justice focused on victims to seek redress for pain and suffering based upon biblical tenets and English Common Law Industrialization and urbanization began to diminish the role of victims Victims lost control of government and judicial process Ultimately became a civil rather than a criminal matter

History of Victims History in United States similar In Colonial America, victims paid for warrants, for sheriff to investigate and to incarcerate “Bill of Rights” focused on hostilities toward the “state” Focused on protecting rights of criminals Violation of laws more important than harm to victims

History of Victims Focus of prosecutors and courts was to deter crime through punishment, long sentences and execution Prosecutors were given the powers and duties that were previously the responsibility of victims Not notified or involved with plea bargaining of their cases in court

Rediscovery of Victims Late 50s and early 60s social movements influenced the rediscovery of victims: Law and Order Movement Civil Rights Movement Women’s Rights Movement

Rediscovery of Victims Law and Order Groups Reaction to rising crime rates “Get tough on criminals” focused on victims Lock up criminals quickly and for a longer time Fewer loopholes for attorneys

Rediscovery of Victims Women’s Movement—Became very active in anti-rape and anti-battering campaigns Efforts to break down patriarchal culture tradition to subjugate women 1972—First anti-rape effort with crisis centers in Berkeley, CA and Washington D.C. 1974—First “Safe House” for battered women established in St. Paul, Minnesota

Rediscovery of Victims Other Social Movements Rights of Children Senior Citizens—Elder Abuse Homosexuals Better training for law enforcement Media played major role in reviving victim roles Businesses cater to victims: pepper spray, guns, alarm systems, security services, etc.

Rediscovery of Victims Politicians enacting legislation named after victims became very popular: Brady Bill Amber Alert Megan’s Law Jenna’s Law Kendra’s Law

Rediscovery of Victims The news media played a major role in the rediscovery of victims More attention given to victims rather than offenders in media coverage Highly publicized cases gave victims a forum to be heard 24-hour news cycle delivers reports of crimes and victims around the clock

Rediscovery of Victims Media’s rights to report crimes often conflicts with the victim’s rights for privacy Solutions to this problem include: “Shield laws” to protect from needless and unnecessary disclosure of names and addresses and previous victim involvement Self restraint of reporters and editors Adoption of a “Code of Ethics” requiring reporters to read a victim their “victim rights” prior to any interviews

Rediscovery of Victims Commercialization of products and services for victims Businesses cash in on customers’ fear of becoming a victim Automobile anti-theft devices (Do they really work?) Home security systems Pepper spray Firearms

Rediscovery of Victims Victimologists played a major role Process of rediscovery unfolds through a series of steps and stages: Stage 1—Calling Attention to an Overlooked Problem Stage 2—Winning Victories, Implementing Reforms

Rediscovery of Victims Stage 3—Emergence of an Opposition and Development of Resistance to Further Changes Stage 4—Research and Temporary Resolution of Disputes The process of rediscovery continues: See Box 2.2 Page 48

Key Terms Street Crimes English Common Law Civil Court Tort Law Public Prosecutors Plea Negotiations Law and Order Movement Women’s Movement Civil Rights Movement Civil liberties Movement Children’s Rights Movement Gay Rights Movement Self Help Movement Brady Bill Amber Alert

Key Terms Megan’s Law Self Definition Victimization Process Moral Entrepreneurs Constructionist Approach Conflict Approach Stigma Contests Social Construction Claims-making Typification Trafficking in Human Beings False Memory Syndrome Hate Crimes Road Rage Elder Abuse