Forensics L6 Flashcards
Likelihood of being a victim
live in urban areas, property offenses are committed on young professionals, 16-24, single, low income, unemployed, student, active evening life, high alcohol consumption
elderly and women fear it most but men are more likely to be victims because they put themselves in those situations
Prevent crime by victims
go out in groups, increase security at home, monitor environment, stay alert, constant attention can increase perceived risk
Crimes go unreported because…
nature of offense, benefits of reporting are low, seriousness, bystanders encourage reporting
Historical view of victims
Early Middle Ages: played a central role in trial proceedings
Golden Age: vengeance is taken by monarchs
crimes are against the state and victims have few rights
60s-70s: criticize not enough emphasis on victims
70s: victim blaming
Fundamental Attribution Error
overestimate dispositional factors and underestimate situational factors
Just-World Hypothesis
the world is fair and people get what they deserve
Secondary Victimization
CJS is detrimental to victims = media, trauma of testifying, trial delays, fear of retaliation by offender, lack of knowledge of CJS
Compensation for Victims
Restitution payments: offenders pay for losses
Pros: victim reimbursed, help offenders appreciate the consequences of crime
Cons: no defendant or isn’t acquitted, offender is financially unstable, hard to put dollar value on trauma
Participation by victims in criminal proceedings
victims have the right to be notified and attend court proceedings and a right to make their views known
Victim Impact Evidence
Payne v. TN (1991) - first time it was used in the US
Legislative change in protecting victims’ rights
notified of proceedings, offender’s release from custody, and to be heard at crucial stages
Resolution conferences
Restorative justice
accountability, competency development, community safety, teach conflict resolution skills
Response of victims
Stockholm syndrome, acute stress disorder, PTSD
For et al. (1995)
educate victims about common reactions, diffuse fears of trauma through emotional relieving
–> less likely to develop PTSD
Coping mechanisms for victims
achievement motivation, victims vs. survivors mentality, Erikson’s psychological stages, self-control, rational problem-solving
