Chapter Three

Question 1

victimology

Answer 1

the study of the victim’s role in criminal events

Question 2

victimologists

Answer 2

criminologists who focus on the victims on crime

Question 3

PTSD

Answer 3

psychological reaction to a highly stressful event; may include depression, anxiety, flashbacks, and recurring nightmares

Question 4

OCD

Answer 4

an extreme preoccupation with certain thoughts and compulsive performance of certain behaviors

Question 5

cycle of violence

Answer 5

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

Question 6

victim precipitation theory

Answer 6

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

Question 7

active precipitation

Answer 7

aggressive or provocative behavior 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; such victims may unknowingly either threaten or encourage their attackers

Question 9

lifestyle theories

Answer 9

views on how 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 the interaction of three everyday factors: the availability of suitable targets, the absence of capable guardians, and the presence of motivated offenders

Question 12

suitable targets

Answer 12

objects of crime that are attractive and readily crimes

Question 13

motivated offenders

Answer 13

people willing and able to commit crimes

Question 14

capable guardians

Answer 14

effective deterrents to crime, such as police or watchful neighbors

Question 15

victim-witness assistance programs

Answer 15

government programs that help crime victims and witnesses; it may include compensation, court services, and/or crisis intervention

Question 16

victim compensation programs

Answer 16

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 counseling

Question 17

crisis intervention

Answer 17

emergency counseling for crime victims

Question 18

victim-offender reconciliation groups

Answer 18

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