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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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