Assigned Reading #5

What is the relationship between “fear of crime” and criminal victimization?

people who have been victims of crime are often more fearful of being victimized again. However, even those who haven’t experienced crime can still have a heightened fear of it, influenced by media, community safety, or personal perceptions, which may not always reflect actual crime rates. 

What is secondary victimization?

insensitive, victim-blaming, and trauma-compounding attitudes (blaming the victim or making their trauma worse) by social and justice system workers towards victims of violence.

In what ways might a victim of crime experience secondary victimization?

1. Blaming the victim for the violence. 

2. Dismissing or minimizing their feelings and experiences. 

3. Questioning or doubting their credibility. 

4. Making them feel guilty or responsible for the trauma. 

5. Re-traumatizing them through insensitive or intrusive questioning. 

6. Failing to provide adequate support or resources. 

Lifestyle theory/model:

The theory that peoples lifestyle habits and patterns of behaviors can put them at a greater risk of being a victims of crime  

Three related hypotheses that have been derived from this model to account for victimization

1. equivalent group hypothesis

2. proximity hypothesis

3. deviant place hypothesis

equivalent group hypothesis

offender and victim share certain characterises.  

• Most valid in relation to personal victimization characteristics 

• Victims and their offenders are typically close in age 

proximity hypothesis

some people place themselves at risk by choosing a high-risk lifestyle 

• Do not actively encourage their own victimization but make bad choices  

deviant place hypothesis

asserts that some areas are simply more likely to commit criminal activity than others  

What are the four main rights for victims? 

1. The right to information;  

2. The right to protection;  

3. The right to participation; and  

4. The right to restitution

Restitution

when the offender gives something back to the victim to make up for harm, while compensation is money or other help given to the victim to cover their losses or suffering

crisis intervention

immediate support provided to people in distress after a traumatic event, like a crime.

how does crisis intervention assist victims of crime?

It helps victims by offering emotional support, helping them understand their feelings, and connecting them to resources for further assistance.

Calls to Action concerning Justice? 27

• make the legal system more just and inclusive for Indigenous communities. 

• ensuring legal representation is fair and culturally informed. 

• reduce systemic discrimination and promote better relationships between Indigenous peoples and the justice system. 

  

Calls to Action concerning Justice? 28

• Prepares law students to work effectively with Indigenous clients and communities. 

• Helps address systemic discrimination and improve Indigenous representation in the legal system. 

• Supports reconciliation by ensuring future legal professionals understand Indigenous legal perspectives and rights. 

  

Calls to Action concerning Justice? 30

• Focus on Systemic Issues: This call addresses the root causes of overrepresentation, such as systemic racism, socio-economic disadvantages, and discriminatory practices in policing and sentencing. 

• Accountability & Transparency: Regular reports will ensure governments are held accountable for their actions and progress toward reducing the number of Indigenous people in custody. 

Calls to Action concerning Justice? 31

• Focus on Rehabilitation:

• Addressing Systemic Issues:

• Promote Justice and Reconciliation:

  

Calls to Action concerning Justice? 32

• Judicial Discretion: 
  

• Justice and Fairness: 
  

• Alternative Sentencing Options: 
   

Calls to Action concerning Justice? 35

• Cultural Appropriateness in Rehabilitation: 
  

• Reducing Recidivism: 
  

• Addressing Systemic Issues: 
  

Calls to Action concerning Justice? 36

• Culturally Relevant Services: 
  

• Collaboration with Aboriginal Communities: 
  

• Supporting Healing: 
   

  

Calls to Action concerning Justice? 37

• Increased Support for Aboriginal Programs: 
  

• Culturally Appropriate Support: 
  

• Improving Reintegration: 
  

Calls to Action concerning Justice? 38

• Commitment to Reducing Overrepresentation: 
  

• Addressing Systemic Issues: 
  

• Long-Term Goal: 
  The call sets a decade-long commitment to ensure sustained efforts and measurable progress toward eliminating the overrepresentation of Aboriginal youth in custody. 

Calls to Action concerning Justice? 39

• Data Collection on Criminal Victimization: 
  

• Filling Gaps in Knowledge: 
  

• Improving Policies and Services: 
  collecting and publishing accurate data,

Calls to Action concerning Justice? 40

• Creation of Victim Services: 
  

• Adequate Funding & Accessibility: 
  

• Evaluation Mechanisms: 
  

• Support for Aboriginal Victims: 
  

Calls to Action concerning Justice? 41

• Public Inquiry into Victimization of Aboriginal Women and Girls: 
  

• Investigation into Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women and Girls: 
   

• Intergenerational Legacy of Residential Schools: 
  examine how the harm caused by residential schools continues to affect Aboriginal women and girls today

Calls to Action concerning Justice? 42

• Aboriginal Justice Systems: 
  recognize and use Aboriginal justice systems

• Following Legal Rules: 
  The justice systems should follow the Constitution Act, 1982, which protects Aboriginal rights

• Supporting Aboriginal Ways of Justice: 
  making sure justice systems are based on Aboriginal traditions and values