Victimization - The Risk, Experience, and Aftereffects (From Verbrechensopfer, P 179-197, 1979, Gerd Ferdinand Kirchhoff and Klaus Sessar, ed. - See NCJ-72716)

• NCJ Number: 72725
• Author(s): E A Fattah
• Date Published: 1979
• Length: 19 pages
• Sale Source: Studienverlag Dr N Brockmeyer
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: German
• Country: West Germany (Former)

Annotation

Researach on the experience and aftereffects of victimization as well as on crimes specific to particular victim groups is advocated.

Abstract

Microanalysis of victimization is deemed necessary to aid in planning of prevention and victim assistance programs. Victims react differently to the treat of physical violence, but research is needed to correlate reactions of different personallity types to the crime course for various types of crimes. Even for rape, it remains uncertain what the short-term and long-term effects of resistance will be for the victim, making public education efforts almost impossible. The relative importance of factors affecting reporting behavior such as crime seriousness, lack of confidence in police effectiveness, and fear of retaliation by offenders must be established to boost crime reporting rates and to facilitate police solution of crimes. Psychological aftereffects, e.g., stress, depression, fear for personal safety, and curtailment of activities, should be studied to determine what type of psychiatric care would benefit victims. The role of particular factors in recidivist victimization, e.g., class, family dynamics, work reliability, previous convictions, and alcohol consumption must be analyzed. The danger exists that victims will themselves become offenders in seeking to avenge their mistreatment. Individuals are likely targets when they are physically weak, have little social status, or have an insignificant position in the power hierarchy. Common victims are children (especially affected by physical and sexual abuse), the elderly (confidence games and purse snatching), women (rape, including in marriage), socially stigmatized groups (e.g., patients, convicts, homosexuals, prostitutes, and alcoholics), and minorities such as Indians and blacks. The author recommends the establishment of behavioral guidelines for potential victims to reduce chances of victimization and the development of victim programs to counteract traumatic victimization effects. Notes and a 48-item bibliography are supplied.