The Ongoing Controversy over Shared Responsibility

Flashcards covering key concepts and terms related to shared responsibility in victimology.

Shared Responsibility

The concept that certain victims as well as criminals share some fault in the occurrence of a crime.

Repeat Victimization

When an individual experiences the same type of crime multiple times; past injury is often the best predictor of future harm.

Boost Explanation

The theory that repeat victimizations occur because offenders gain knowledge about the target from the initial crime.

Flag Explanation

The theory proposing that targets have permanent characteristics that attract criminals, such as being in vulnerable locations.

Victim Blaming

The thought process that assumes there is something wrong with victims and that they are accountable for their victimization.

Victim Defenders

Individuals who criticize victim blamers for overstating the responsibility of victims in illegal acts.

Offender Blaming

An approach that holds the wrongdoing individual solely responsible for harming a victim, rejecting both system and victim blaming.

System Blaming

A perspective that does not hold either the offender or the victim fully accountable but places some responsibility on social institutions.

Victim Facilitation

Actions by the victim that may have inadvertently contributed to their victimization, considered the least serious charge against a victim.

Identity Theft

A crime involving the illegal appropriation of someone's personal information, which can lead to financial theft.

Routine Activities Theory

A theory that emphasizes the importance of motivated criminals, suitable targets, and the presence of capable guardians in understanding crime.

Subculture of Violence Theory

A theory suggesting that in certain communities, violence is an accepted way of resolving conflicts.

Crime Prevention vs Victimization Prevention

Crime prevention involves proactive strategies, while victimization prevention focuses on tips and warnings to reduce risk.

Lifestyle Theory

The idea that an individual's lifestyle and daily activities influence their risk of becoming a victim of crime.

Ambivalence and Risk Taking

The contradictory attitudes in American culture towards risk, wherein risk-taking is both embraced and condemned.