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Questions and Answers
What is the primary focus of victimologists in their research?
What is the primary focus of victimologists in their research?
What is the first step in the four-step process of victimologists' research?
What is the first step in the four-step process of victimologists' research?
According to Hans von Hentig, what is a common characteristic among certain types of criminals and their victims?
According to Hans von Hentig, what is a common characteristic among certain types of criminals and their victims?
Which of the following categories of victims was described by Hans von Hentig as being physically weaker and having less mental prowess?
Which of the following categories of victims was described by Hans von Hentig as being physically weaker and having less mental prowess?
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What is the main reason children and infants are less able to defend themselves, according to Hans von Hentig?
What is the main reason children and infants are less able to defend themselves, according to Hans von Hentig?
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What is the primary goal of Hans von Hentig's work in criminology?
What is the primary goal of Hans von Hentig's work in criminology?
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What is the primary characteristic of 'The Wanton' type of victim, according to Von Hentig?
What is the primary characteristic of 'The Wanton' type of victim, according to Von Hentig?
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According to Mendelsohn's typology, which type of victim exhibits no provocative or contributory behavior prior to the offender's attack?
According to Mendelsohn's typology, which type of victim exhibits no provocative or contributory behavior prior to the offender's attack?
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What is the common trait among 'The Lonesome or Heartbroken' type of victims, according to Von Hentig?
What is the common trait among 'The Lonesome or Heartbroken' type of victims, according to Von Hentig?
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Which type of victim, according to Mendelsohn, makes a conscious and deliberate choice to suffer harm or loss?
Which type of victim, according to Mendelsohn, makes a conscious and deliberate choice to suffer harm or loss?
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What is the primary characteristic of 'The Tormentor' type of victim, according to Von Hentig?
What is the primary characteristic of 'The Tormentor' type of victim, according to Von Hentig?
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Which of the following is NOT a category of victims according to Von Hentig's typology?
Which of the following is NOT a category of victims according to Von Hentig's typology?
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Study Notes
Victimologists' Research
- Victimologists explore the interactions between victims and offenders, victims and the criminal justice system, and victims and society.
- They follow a four-step process:
- Identify, define, and describe the problem
- Measure the true dimensions of the problem
- Investigate how victims are handled
- Gather evidence to test hypotheses
Hans von Hentig's Theories
- Hans von Hentig, a German criminologist, sought to develop crime prevention strategies.
- He believed that victims are born or shaped by society, just like criminals.
- Certain characteristics of law-abiding citizens, such as feeblemindedness, can also be found in victims.
Von Hentig's Victim Typology
- Von Hentig classified victims into categories based on characteristics that increase victim vulnerability or exposure to danger:
- The Young: children and infants who are physically weaker, have less mental prowess, and fewer legal rights.
- The Acquisitive: individuals who are greedy and looking for quick gain, suspending their judgment or putting themselves in dangerous situations.
- The Wanton: promiscuous individuals who engage in indiscriminate sexual activity, exposing themselves to disease and unhealthy personalities.
- The Lonesome or Heartbroken: widows, widowers, and those in mourning, who are prone to substance abuse and easy prey for con men.
- The Tormentor: abusive parents who expose themselves to danger by injuring their child or themselves.
- The Blocked, Exempted, or Fighting: victims of blackmail, extortion, and confidence scams.
Benjamin Mendelsohn's Theories
- Mendelsohn, a French-Israeli lawyer, began studying victims in 1947 and believed that many victims shared an unconscious capacity for being victimized.
- He developed a typology that categorizes the extent to which the victim is culpable in their own demise, based on situational factors.
Mendelsohn's Victim Typology
- Mendelsohn's six victim types:
- Completely Innocent Victim: exhibits no provocative or contributory behavior prior to the offender's attack.
- Victim due to Ignorance: unwittingly does something that places them in a position to be victimized.
- Voluntary Victim: makes a conscious and deliberate choice to suffer harm or loss.
- Victim more Guilty than the Offender: provokes a criminal act, but ends up as a loser.
- Most Guilty Victim: is more culpable than the offender in their own victimization.
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Description
Explore the role of victimologists and the four-step process they follow to research victimization. Learn about the interactions between victims, offenders, and the criminal justice system, and test your knowledge on the theories of victimization.
