NCJ Number
98875
Date Published
1985
Length
22 pages
Annotation
Basic ideas, facts, and methods of criminology and victimology are presented as a basis for understanding the interrelationships of crime and the family.
Abstract
Crime is defined in terms of an intention to commit a prohibited act, an action or a failure to act when required, and an absence of justification. Criminology focuses on the perpetrator, the type of crime, the causes, criminal careers, and the effects of the criminal justice system on offenders. In contrast, victimology focuses on the victim, the type and costs of victimization, the causes of being victimized, and the effects of victimization on the careers of the victim. Measurement of crime rests on the Uniform Crime Reports, victimization surveys, offender surveys, and agency records. Each method of measurement is useful; each also has limitations. All the definitional and measurement issues that apply to crime and victimization in general also apply to crimes involving the family. Different data collection methods have different values with respect to examining family-related crime. Victim surveys are probably the best way of learning about crimes against the family. However, these surveys do not provide useful information about crimes within the family. This type of information is best elicited through offender surveys. Fifteen references are listed.