NCJ Number
51825
Date Published
1977
Length
19 pages
Annotation
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNIQUES STREET CRIMINALS USE TO JUSTIFY THEIR BEHAVIOR ARE EXAMINED AND TIPS ARE GIVEN TO HELP POTENTIAL VICTIMS USE THESE TECHNIQUES TO AVERT EITHER THE CRIME ITSELF OR POSSIBLE VIOLENCE.
Abstract
THE PAPER OPENS WITH A CASE STUDY WHICH SHOWS METHODS USED BY A WOMAN VICTIM TO AVERT A STREET MUGGING. THEN THE RATIONALIZATIONS USED BY CRIMINALS ARE DISCUSSED. IT IS SUGGESTED THAT MOST OFFENDERS KNOW RIGHT FROM WRONG, BUT, RATHER, JUSTIFY THEIR WRONG-DOING THROUGH A SERIES OF EXCUSES. IN MOST INSTANCES THEY TRY TO BLAME THEIR VICTIMS FOR WHAT HAPPENED. THEIR RATIONALIZATIONS INCLUDE DEHUMANIZATION OF THE VICTIM, DEINDIVIDUATION OF THE SITUATION, AND DENIAL OF HAVING DONE ANY HARM. EACH REACTION IS DESCRIBED BRIEFLY AND IS RELATED TO CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR. THE SECOND PORTION OF THE PAPER EXAMINES THE FIVE STAGES OF CRIMINAL-VICTIM INTERACTION AND SUGGESTS APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR AT EACH STAGE. TECHNIUES FOR AVOIDING A CRIME IN THE FIRST PLACE ARE GIVEN. TECHNIQUES ARE ALSO GIVEN FOR THROWING THE ASSAILANT OFF-GUARD PSYCHOLOGICALLY AND FOR AVOIDING SERIOUS INJURY IF THE CRIME DOES PROGRESS. SELF-DEFENSE TACTICS WHCIH CAN BE USED BY A WOMAN OR A PHYSICALLY WEAKER PERSON AS LAST RESORT ARE LISTED. UNOBTRUSIVE WEAPONS WHICH CAN BE EASILY CARRIED ARE DESCRIBED. AN APPENDIX EXAMINES THE CASE STUDY AND SHOWS WHAT THE POTENTIAL VICTIM DID TO AVERT ASSAULT. (GLR)