Victimology

Victimology studies victims of crime — patterns of victimization, the victim's role and experience, and responses to victims.

Scope

It covers victimization patterns and risk, the consequences of crime for victims, victim-offender relations, and victims in the justice system.

Core questions

• Who becomes a victim of crime, and why?
• What are the consequences of victimization?
• How do situations create opportunities for victimization?
• How does the justice system treat victims?

Key concepts

• Victimization
• Routine activity theory
• Lifestyle exposure
• Repeat victimization
• Victim support
• Fear of crime

Key theories

The victim's role

Von Hentig drew attention to the victim's role in the genesis of crime, founding victimology.

Routine activity theory

Cohen and Felson explained victimization through the convergence of motivated offenders, suitable targets, and absent guardians.

History

Victimology grew from early attention to the victim (von Hentig) into the study of victimization patterns, the routine-activity approach (Cohen & Felson), and victims' rights and services.

Debates

Victim precipitation

Whether and how to analyse the victim's role without 'blaming the victim'.

Key figures

• Hans von Hentig
• Lawrence Cohen
• Marcus Felson

Seminal works

• vonhentig-1948
• cohen-felson-1979

Frequently asked questions

What is routine activity theory?

The theory that crime occurs when a motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of a capable guardian converge in time and space.