Victims of Violence (From Insights Into Violence in Contemporary Canadian Society, P 306-311, 1987, James M MacLatchie, ed. -- See NCJ-122437)

• NCJ Number: 122475
• Author(s): E Fattah
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 6 pages
• Sale Source: John Howard Soc of Canada
• Publication Type: Research (Theoretical)
• Language: English
• Country: Canada
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

This paper presents statistics on victims of violent crime in Canada, profiles victims and victim-offender relationships, and encourages more effective crime victim compensation.

Abstract

Violent crimes in Canada account for only 9 percent of offenses. Deaths and injuries from traffic accidents, drunk driving, and suicide are more serious victimization problems. A comparison of profiles of victims and perpetrators of violent crime does not reveal the stereotypical image of the "innocent" victim and the "bad" perpetrator. In most cases, both victim and offender share a lifestyle or interaction that places them at high-risk for violent experiences. Victims have often perpetrated violence themselves. Victims of violence are typically young, unmarried males living alone, unemployed, and with an active social life outside the home. Regarding victim compensation, efforts should be made to place criminal victimization in the same category as other risks -- such as traffic accidents, job-related injuries, and unemployment -- by creating a compensation structure commensurate with the financial harm suffered.