chapter 3, victims and victimization

Question 1

victimology

Answer 1

study of victims role in criminal events

Question 2

victimologists

Answer 2

criminologists who focus on victims of crime

Question 3

post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Answer 3

psychological reaction to a highly stressful event, symptoms such as depression, anxiety, flashbacks, and nightmares

Question 4

cycle of violence

Answer 4

victims of crime, especially childhood abuse are more likely to commit crime themselves

Question 5

social ecology

Answer 5

study of social and behavioural consequences of interaction between humans and their environment

Question 6

victim precipitation theory

Answer 6

the view that victims may initiate, either actively or passively, confrontation that leads to their victimization

Question 7

active precipitation

Answer 7

aggressive or provocation behaviour of victims that results in their victimization

Question 8

passive precipitation

Answer 8

personal or social characteristics of victims that make them “attractive” targets for criminals, victims may unknowingly either threaten or encourage their attackers

Question 9

lifestyle theories

Answer 9

view that people become crime victims because of lifestyles that increase their exposure to criminal offenders

Question 10

deviant place theory

Answer 10

view that victimization is primarily a function of where people live

Question 11

routine activities theory

Answer 11

view that victimization results from interaction of three everyday factors:
1. the availability of suitable targets
2. absence of capable guardians
3. presence of motivated offenders

Question 12

suitable targets

Answer 12

objects of crime (persons or property) that are attractive and readily available

Question 13

capable guardians

Answer 13

effective deterrents to crime, such as police or watchful neighbours

Question 14

motivated offenders

Answer 14

people willing and able to commit crimes

Question 15

victim compensation

Answer 15

financial aid awarded to crime victims to repay them for their loss and injuries; may cover medical bills, loss of wages, loss of future earnings, and/or counselling

Question 16

crisis intervention

Answer 16

emergency counselling for crime victims

Question 17

victim-offender reconciliation programs

Answer 17

mediated face-to-face encounters between victims and their attackers, designed to produce restitution agreements and potential reconciliation

Question 18

target hardening

Answer 18

making one’s home or business crime proof by using locks, bars, alarms, and other devices