Slide 1: Victimology

Question 1

Question: Why has the study of victims been relatively understudied in criminology?

Answer 1

Answer: Victims have been understudied because criminology historically focused on offenders (offenderology), often neglecting the role that victims play in criminal transactions. Victimology, which began emerging in the late 1960s, studies the victim’s role, both directly and indirectly, in crimes.

Question 2

Question: What is the difference between active and indirect victimization?

Answer 2

Answer:

Active victimization involves the victim provoking or insulting the eventual attacker.

Indirect victimization occurs when the victim’s choices, such as living or working in high-crime areas, increase their likelihood of being targeted.