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Questions and Answers
What is the title of the book written by Dr. Stephen Schafer in 1968?
What is the title of the book written by Dr. Stephen Schafer in 1968?
According to the Victim Precipitation Theory, what type of precipitation occurs when the victim exhibits personal characteristics that unknowingly threaten or encourage the attacker?
According to the Victim Precipitation Theory, what type of precipitation occurs when the victim exhibits personal characteristics that unknowingly threaten or encourage the attacker?
What is the term used to describe individuals who have a higher chance of victimization due to their lifestyle choices?
What is the term used to describe individuals who have a higher chance of victimization due to their lifestyle choices?
Which theory suggests that the availability of suitable targets, the absence of capable guardians, and the presence of motivated offenders contribute to victimization?
Which theory suggests that the availability of suitable targets, the absence of capable guardians, and the presence of motivated offenders contribute to victimization?
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What type of victim, according to Dr. Schafer, shares responsibility for the crime?
What type of victim, according to Dr. Schafer, shares responsibility for the crime?
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According to the Deviant Place Theory, what is the primary factor that contributes to victimization?
According to the Deviant Place Theory, what is the primary factor that contributes to victimization?
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What is the main difference between Von Hentig's and Mendelsohn's typologies of victimization?
What is the main difference between Von Hentig's and Mendelsohn's typologies of victimization?
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Which of the following is an example of a 'Most Guilty Victim' according to Mendelsohn's typology?
Which of the following is an example of a 'Most Guilty Victim' according to Mendelsohn's typology?
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What is the term used by Mendelsohn to describe the unconscious capacity of some victims to be victimized?
What is the term used by Mendelsohn to describe the unconscious capacity of some victims to be victimized?
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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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Which of the following is NOT a type of victim according to Mendelsohn's typology?
Which of the following is NOT a type of victim according to Mendelsohn's typology?
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What is the main purpose of Mendelsohn's typology of victimization?
What is the main purpose of Mendelsohn's typology of victimization?
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Study Notes
Victimology
- Dr. Stephen Schafer, a professor of sociology at Northeastern University, published the first textbook on victimology in 1968, titled "The Victim and His Criminal: A Study in Functional Responsibility".
- Schafer proposed six types of victim responsibility:
- Unrelated Victims: No victim responsibility
- Provocative Victims: Victim shares responsibility
- Precipitative Victims: Some degree of responsibility
- Biologically Weak Victims: No responsibility
- Socially Weak Victims: No responsibility
- Self-Victimizing: Total victim responsibility
Victim Precipitation Theory
- This theory suggests that some people may initiate the confrontation that leads to their injury or death.
- Victim precipitation can be either active or passive:
- Active precipitation: When the victim acts provocatively, uses threats or fighting words, or even attacks first.
- Passive precipitation: When the victim exhibits personal characteristics that unknowingly threaten or encourage the attacker.
Lifestyle Theory
- People who have high-risk lifestyles (e.g., associating with young men, going out in public places late at night, living in urban areas) have a higher risk of victimization.
- Behaviors like drinking, taking drugs, and getting involved in crime increase the chance of victimization.
Deviant Place Theory
- The greater the exposure to dangerous places, the more likely people will become victims of crime violence.
- Victims do not encourage crime, but are victim-prone because they reside in socially disorganized high-crime areas.
Routine Activities Theory
- The availability of suitable targets, the absence of capable guardians, and the presence of motivated offenders contribute to victimization.
- Guardianship and hot spots play a crucial role in this theory.
Benjamin Mendelsohn's Victim Typology
- Mendelsohn developed a typology that categorizes the extent to which the victim is culpable in their own demise.
- The six victim types are:
- Completely Innocent Victim: No provocative or contributory behavior prior to the offender's attack.
- Victim due to Ignorance: Unwittingly doing something that places them in a position to be victimized.
- Voluntary Victim: Making a conscious and deliberate choice to suffer harm or loss.
- Victim more Guilty than the Offender: Provoking a criminal act, but ending up as the victim.
- Most Guilty Victim: The initial aggressor, but ending up as the victim due to circumstances beyond their control.
- Simulating or Imaginary Victim: A pretender or false reporter.
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Description
Test your understanding of Benjamin Mendelsohn's victimology theory, which explores the concept of victim proneness and categorizes the extent to which a victim is responsible for their own victimization. Learn about the differences between Mendelsohn's and Von Hentig's typologies and how they relate to criminology and victimology.
