NCJ Number
100211
Date Published
1986
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This is a summary of a study that describes victims of crimes and violence, surveys current theories about the psychology of victimization, and explores past and present public and legal policies regarding victimization.
Abstract
The typical victim of a violent crime is between 12 and 24 years old, black, single or divorced, living in an urban area, unemployed, and has an annual income of less than $3,000. Short-term victimization effects include numbness, disorientation, denial, disbelief, loneliness, depression, vulnerability, and helplessness. Although many victims resolve the trauma within 6 months to a year, other victims, particularly rape victims, experience chronic stress. Theories that explain the victim's stressful reaction focus on the sense of having been violated, having been treated unfairly, feeling vulnerable to additional victimization, and perceiving that victims are in some way deviant. Factors in coping with victimization are personal values and perceptions, self-blame, behavioral strategies, and the reactions of others to the victimization. The task force report provides guidelines for crime victim psychological help as well as for evaluating victim services. The report also identifies potential problems that arise for victims at each stage of criminal justice processing and how these problems might be addressed. Current benefits and services for crime victims are reviewed. 6 suggested readings and 3 sources of information.