Victimology and Criminology - Trends and Applications

• NCJ Number: 70222
• Author(s): D Szabo
• Date Published: 1979
• Length: 30 pages
• Corporate Author: Universite de Montreal, Centre International de Criminologie Comparee
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: French
• Country: Canada
• Note: From the Third International Symposium on Victimology in Muenster, Westphalia, West Germany, held September 2-8, 1979.

Annotation

The development of a victimology theory in criminology, applications of the theory in criminal policy, and the function of research on victimology are outlined.

Abstract

Since the end of the 19th century, criminological research has been devoted primarily to causes of criminal conduct using established laws and norms as the point of departure. Until recently, interest in the victim was limited to victim proneness. Victim surveys have exposed whole new aspects of victimology, e.g., variations in treatment of victims by age, sex, and national origin, and the vulnerability of certain groups such as senior citizens and women. In terms of criminal policy, the medical model is directly related to social defense, while the justice model emphasizes reform of the courts and sentencing. To these, victimology, though not associated with a clearly defined doctrine, has contributed a policy of accountability through the victim compensation principle. Victim programs for rape victims, battered wives, abused children, and consumers have also been initiated; such programs contribute to reestablishment of dignity for victims of violent crime. Even though judicial procedure may depersonalize victim treatment, it is cautioned that the demythification of such procedures could cause social relapse into the vicious circle of individual vendetta, thus destroying the society. The expansion of victimology research is recommended. Research priorities should include perfection and generalization of victimization studies; expansion of studies devoted to victim types, victim-offender relationships, and identification of situations conducive to victimization. Areas also in need of investigation are psychological mechanisms and aftereffects of victimization, evaluation of criminal policy measures, and comparison of the victim roles in the penal and in the social systems. Teaching the subject of victimology to criminologsts and police is advocated. A 22-item bibliography is furnished. --in French.