Chapter 1 Flashcards
What is Victimology?
study of victimization, its consequences, how the criminal justice system accommodates and assists victims, and how other elements of society deal with victims
Victimology Term first used by
Mendelsohn in 1947
Victimology is a
social science because it uses scientific method
History of Victimology
Victim’s responsibility to avenge that wrong
Code of Hammurabi
focus was on RESTORATION of equity between victim and offender
Middle Ages
retaliation, “eye for an eye”, retribution, restitution
Industrial Revolution
Created a middle class, brought people to cities, crime increased as people with different backgrounds moved to same cities.
Becceria
Father of school of Crim. Crimes and punishment, against corporal and capital punishment, wanted DETERRENCE
Formal CJ System
No focus on victims until the 1970s. focus was criminals
Victim precipitation
responsibility for victimization
victimization facilitation
victim unintentionally makes it easier for an offender to commit a crime
victim provocation
victim incites another person to commit crime.
Hans Von Hentig
First to study FACTORS that predict victimization. Typology=personal characteristics. Acquaintance relationship. 13 diff categories of victims provoking victimization.
Men are most likely victims
Except in rape and SA
Benjamin Mendelsohn
“father of Victimology.” Typology=rooted in behavior. Based on victim’s degree of CULPABILITY
completely innocent
No responsibility
Victim with minor guilt
victim because of ignorance
Victim as guilty as the offender
bears as much responsibility as an offender
Victim more guilty than an offender
victim provokes their perpetration of crime
Most guilty victim
victim who is victimized during the perpetration of a crime
Stimulating or imaginary victim
fabricates a victimization event
Stephen Schafer
Wrote the victim and his criminal. Social characteristics and behaviors. People are responsible to not provoke others into victimizing. BLAMED VICTIMS, protect yourself
Marvin Wolfgang
Empirically tested victim precipitation in homicides in Philly (1948-52). 26% of homicides were victim precipitated. Most were male, they knew each other, history of violence, and alcohol was involved.
Subintentional Homicide (from Wolfgang)
Not precipitated but are putting themselves at risk. Similar to victim facilitation. Poor judgment, risky behavior, drugs, alc
Menachem Amir
Student of Wolfgang, wanted to extend research. Studied role of victim precipitation in rapes in Philly (1958-60). Argued 1 in 5 rapes were VP. Thinks victim deserves it or has it coming. Criticized for blaming victims.
Victim’s rights movement
1966 president’s commission on law enforcement and admin of justice was formed. National crime victimization survey formed
the women’s movement
Focus on women and children. Attention to female victims in rape and IPV. 1970’s DV shelters and rape crisis centers were formed
Contribution of Victim’s rights movement
programs for crime victims, development of victim organizations, legislation and policy.
Victimology Today
Extent, type, causes, and consequences of victimization
