1. Chapter Three Victims and Victimization

2. 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.

3. 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.

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

5. 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?

6. 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

7. 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.

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

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

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

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

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

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. 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?

21. 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.

22. 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.