Victimology ch 1 and 2

Victimology

Primarily the study of crime victims.

Subjective approach

Uses personal emotions and morality to understand victimization.

Direct or primary victim

Individuals who suffer physical, economic, or emotional harm firsthand.

Objective approach

Based on factual evidence.

Victim-offender overlap

Challenges the clarity between victim and offender roles.

Legitimate victim

Considered socially constructed.

Radical/Critical/Conflict approach

Focuses on corporate crime and systemic oppression.

Liberal approach

Associated with restorative justice and safety nets.

Victimologists vs victim service providers

Victimologists study victimization trends.

Research emphasis during the 1980s

Self-reliance and spending cuts.

Reason for emphasizing research in victimology

To challenge conventional wisdom.

Method used by victimologists

Case studies and surveys.

Main focus of criminologists

Offender behavior and crime prevention.

Legal/Criminal Justice perspective

Focuses on laws and procedures.

Indirect victims

Friends and family of the victim.

Victim service provider

EMT.

Criminology and victimology

Both emphasize data interpretation and trend analysis.

Psychological approach

Uses character traits and mental processes to study victim issues.

Media bias and public perception

Reflects how victims may be portrayed negatively by the media.

Difference between subjective and objective approach

Subjective is based on personal feelings and morality; objective is based on facts and data.

Significance of studying victim-offender overlap

It shows that people can be both victims and offenders, complicating the crime narrative.

Differences between victimologists and victim service providers

Victimologists study trends; service providers give hands-on help like counseling or medical aid.

Importance of research in victimology

It uncovers patterns, challenges assumptions, and improves victim response strategies.

Conservative ideologies on victimology

Conservatives stress personal responsibility, liberals favor support systems, and radicals blame societal structures.

In Colonial America, who was responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes?

The victims themselves

What shift did the U.S. Constitution bring regarding crime?

→ Crimes were redefined as offenses against the state, not individuals

What effect did public prosecutors have on victim involvement?

They reduced victims' roles in criminal cases

What legal practice minimized victims' courtroom participation?

Plea bargaining

What role does victimology play in rediscovery?

It brings attention back to victims' experiences and needs

What do victimologists study in contrast to criminologists?

Victimologists study victims at their most vulnerable

What is "exemplary behavior under duress"?

How victims respond during or after extreme attacks

What is the focus of "survivorology"?

Strength, resilience, and recovery after victimization

Why do many victims prefer the term "survivor"?

It emphasizes resilience and personal strength

What does resilience represent in victimology?

A skill or muscle that can be developed and strengthened

What is "bystanderology"?

The study of how third parties react to crimes

What is the "bystander effect"?

As the number of bystanders increases, the likelihood of intervention decreases

What event led to renewed interest in bystander behavior in 1963?

The Kitty Genovese murder case

What is required for bystanders to typically step in and help?

A clear request for help from the victim

What was the main goal of the Law and Order Movement?

To crack down on crime with tougher punishments and fewer legal loopholes

What issue did the Women's Movement focus on in victimology?

Violence against women and the justice system's neglect

What services resulted from the Women's Movement?

Rape crisis centers and battered women's shelters

How did the Civil Rights Movement affect victimology?

It challenged racial injustice and emphasized protection against bias crimes

What is an example of a modern civil rights slogan connected to victimization?

"Black Lives Matter"

Name one other social movement that helped victims gain attention.

Children's rights, elder abuse prevention, LGBTQ+ rights, self-help, or prisoners' rights

What role do elected officials play in victimology?

They pass legislation to protect and support victims

How does the media impact public awareness of victims?

It highlights victims' stories, sometimes accurately or sensationally

How can commercial interests both help and hurt victims?

They provide protective services but may also exploit fear with misleading marketing

What is the second stage of rediscovery?

Implementing reforms and launching pilot programs

What is the first stage of the rediscovery process?

Calling attention to a previously overlooked victim issue

What is the third stage of rediscovery?

Resistance to further changes and criticism of reforms

What is the fourth and final stage of rediscovery?

Research provides useful, evidence-based insights