Criminology Chapter 3: Theories and Concepts of Victimization

Vocabulary practice flashcards defining core terms, theories, and concepts of victimization based on Chapter 3 lecture notes.

Victimology

The scientific study of the victim's role in criminal events.

Cycle of Violence

The phenomenon where victims of crime, especially those who experienced childhood abuse, are significantly more likely to commit crimes themselves later in life.

Target Hardening

Making homes or businesses less vulnerable to crime through security devices, locks, bars, and surveillance.

Victim Service Programs (VSPs)

Organizations providing assistance to crime victims, such as crisis intervention, victim advocacy, court support, and compensation.

Crime Victims' Rights Act (CVRA) of 2004

A federal law granting crime victims statutory rights, including protection, timely notice of court proceedings, full restitution, and the right to speak at sentencing.

Victim Blaming

The belief that the victim bears responsibility for a crime by provoking the attacker through actions, words, or dress.

Tangible Costs of Victimization

Direct, measurable individual losses resulting from crime, including property damage, medical bills, and lost wages.

Intangible Costs of Victimization

Indirect socio-emotional impacts of crime, including long-term stress, fear, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety.

Target Vulnerability

A factor driving repeat victimization characterized by physical or psychological weakness that makes a victim an easy target.

Target Gratifiability

A factor driving repeat victimization involving desirable quality, status, or possessions that an offender wants to obtain.

Target Antagonism

A factor driving repeat victimization involving characteristics or traits that arouse anger, jealousy, or hostility in an offender.

Victim Precipitation Theory

The view that victims may actively or passively initiate or provoke the confrontation that leads to their victimization.

Lifestyle Theories

The view that high-risk lifestyles and personal choices (e.g., late nights, substance use, dangerous peers) increase exposure to criminal offenders.

Deviant Place Theory

The view that victimization risk depends on physical location, specifically residing in transient, socially disorganized, high-crime neighborhoods.

Routine Activities Theory

The view that crime occurs when three everyday variables converge: suitable targets, absence of capable guardians, and presence of motivated offenders.

Suitable Targets

In Routine Activities Theory, objects or individuals that are attractive and readily available to offenders.

Capable Guardians

In Routine Activities Theory, guardians whose presence deters crime; their absence increases the likelihood of victimization.

Motivated Offenders

In Routine Activities Theory, individuals who have both the inclination and opportunity to commit a crime.

Human Ecological Theory

Amos Hawley's theory explaining community structure through rhythm, tempo, and timing, and how their coordination affects crime and deviant behavior.

Rhythm (Human Ecological Theory)

A component of community structure referring to regular periodicity in activities.

Tempo (Human Ecological Theory)

A component of community structure defined as the number of events per unit of time.

Timing (Human Ecological Theory)

A component of community structure referring to the coordination among daily activities, such as work, school, and leisure.

Victim-Offender Reconciliation Programs (VORPs)

Service programs that provide mediation and direct communication between crime victims and offenders.