CH. 4 - Victims and Victimization

These flashcards cover key concepts, events, and definitions related to the topic of victims and victimization as described in the lecture notes.

How does social distance affect perceptions of victimhood?

The greater the social distance between us and the victim, the more it can skew active participation.

What key factors can influence victimization?

Age, gender, economic status, race, and personal political views.

What is the average screen time worldwide across all age groups?

Nearly seven hours per day.

How does media influence crime narratives?

Crime generates media stories, which create narratives that provide context for understanding crime.

What are 'problem frames' in media narratives?

Easily understood narratives focusing on something extraordinarily bad that affects many people.

What is the 'ideal victim' as defined by Christie (1986)?

A victim from a majority status background, often white, weak, and engaging in respectable activities when victimized.

How are minority victims often portrayed in the media?

As being blameworthy or ignored, particularly if they are engaging in deviant behavior.

What pressure do journalists face regarding police reporting?

To report about police in a positive way to ensure access to interviews and news tips.

What initiatives emerged concerning victims' rights in the 1970s?

Emergence of victim rights and criminal injuries compensation.

What does section 35 of the Canadian Criminal Code allow?

Victims to describe the impacts of the crime before sentencing.

What is the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights, 2015?

It sets out statutory rights for victims of crime including the right to information, participation, protection, and restitution.

What is victimology?

The scientific study of crime victims and the victimization process.

How is victimization characterized in Canada?

Victimization is influenced by ecological and personal factors.

What demographic is at higher risk of violent crime?

Women, particularly those in LGBTQ+ communities.

What is significant about the impact of aging demographics on victimization?

An increase in elder abuse and victimization rates.

Which racial group experiences higher rates of homicide victimization?

Indigenous men and women.

How does the media's portrayal of victims affect societal perceptions?

Can lead to stereotypes and reinforce stigma against certain groups.

How do economic and cultural factors affect hate crimes?

Poor economic conditions and cultural racial stereotypes contribute to hate crime rates.

What is 'lifestyle theory' in relation to victimization?

Lifestyle factors, such as going to public places at night, increase exposure to offenders.

What is the 'routine activity theory'?

It explains the volume and distribution of predatory crime based on the availability of suitable targets and motivated offenders.

What is re-victimization?

Negative impacts on victims caused by the actions and decisions of criminal justice officials.

How can testifying in court be detrimental to victims?

It can be invasive and cause them to feel the rights of offenders are prioritized over their own.

What is one implication of child maltreatment on future victimization?

Higher likelihood of being arrested as young adults.

What is an example of a program to support victims?

Victim-offender reconciliation programs.

What are victim impact statements?

These allow victims to express the physical and emotional toll of a crime during sentencing.

How can media influence perceptions of crime and victimhood?

Through representations, headlines, and language that shape public understanding.

What does the term 'active precipitation' refer to?

When victims act provocatively, potentially provoking their own victimization.

What is 'passive precipitation'?

When victims possess characteristics that unintentionally encourage an attacker.

What factors contribute to higher rates of victimization among certain groups?

Target vulnerability, gratifiability, and antagonism.

How does the deviant place hypothesis explain crime?

Certain areas are natural locations for crime, regardless of resident precautions.

What is one potential outcome of community organization against crime?

Creation of neighborhood patrols to enhance safety.

What is the relationship between victimization and social disorder?

Perceptions of social disorder in a neighborhood can be linked to higher rates of victimization.

What psychological impacts can crime have on victims?

Crime can affect victims physically, emotionally, and socially.

How can victims' experiences lead to 'inter-generational trauma'?

Through exposure to violence and abuse that perpetuates cycles of victimization.