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Questions and Answers
The term 'victim' originally referred to individuals or animals sacrificed to please a deity.
The term 'victim' originally referred to individuals or animals sacrificed to please a deity.
True
Victimology first came into use in the late 1800s.
Victimology first came into use in the late 1800s.
False
During the Golden Age, victims or their families played a direct role in determining punishment.
During the Golden Age, victims or their families played a direct role in determining punishment.
True
The Dark Age was characterized by a victim-centered justice system.
The Dark Age was characterized by a victim-centered justice system.
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The re-emergence of the victim occurred in the 1920s with a focus on victim rights.
The re-emergence of the victim occurred in the 1920s with a focus on victim rights.
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Retribution and revenge were the primary focuses of compensation during the Golden Age.
Retribution and revenge were the primary focuses of compensation during the Golden Age.
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Victims were often perceived as mere witnesses under the justice system during the Dark Age.
Victims were often perceived as mere witnesses under the justice system during the Dark Age.
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The lack of representation for crime victims in court was addressed in the early 2000s.
The lack of representation for crime victims in court was addressed in the early 2000s.
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Everyone has the right to be secure against unreasonable search or seizure.
Everyone has the right to be secure against unreasonable search or seizure.
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Victimization must always be sought out to have an emotional impact.
Victimization must always be sought out to have an emotional impact.
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According to Section 12, everyone has the right to be subjected to cruel and unusual treatment or punishment.
According to Section 12, everyone has the right to be subjected to cruel and unusual treatment or punishment.
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The cost to direct victims of crime in Canada was estimated at $14.0 billion.
The cost to direct victims of crime in Canada was estimated at $14.0 billion.
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Every individual has the right to equal protection under the law without discrimination based on mental or physical ability.
Every individual has the right to equal protection under the law without discrimination based on mental or physical ability.
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The 'Rape Shield' Law protects victims from having their previous sexual history questioned in court.
The 'Rape Shield' Law protects victims from having their previous sexual history questioned in court.
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The tangible costs of crime in Canada were estimated to be $28.7 million.
The tangible costs of crime in Canada were estimated to be $28.7 million.
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Bill C-49 was introduced in 1992 to address the protection of victims' rights.
Bill C-49 was introduced in 1992 to address the protection of victims' rights.
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Victimization is considered an event rather than a process.
Victimization is considered an event rather than a process.
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The Supreme Court of Canada recognized the need for victim protection only recently.
The Supreme Court of Canada recognized the need for victim protection only recently.
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Benjamin Mendelsohn is known for coining the term 'victimology' in the mid 1940s.
Benjamin Mendelsohn is known for coining the term 'victimology' in the mid 1940s.
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The first studies in victimology occurred in the early 1800s.
The first studies in victimology occurred in the early 1800s.
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A 'simulating or imaginary victim' is characterized by having actually experienced victimization.
A 'simulating or imaginary victim' is characterized by having actually experienced victimization.
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Hans von Hentig developed 13 categories based on the likelihood of victimization.
Hans von Hentig developed 13 categories based on the likelihood of victimization.
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Victim precipitation theory suggests that victims have no role in their own victimization.
Victim precipitation theory suggests that victims have no role in their own victimization.
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The Canadian Victim Bill of Rights was enacted in 2015.
The Canadian Victim Bill of Rights was enacted in 2015.
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The 'most guilty victim' classification identifies a victim who is completely innocent of any wrongdoing.
The 'most guilty victim' classification identifies a victim who is completely innocent of any wrongdoing.
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According to Lifestyle Theory, victims often become victims due to their increased exposure to risky situations.
According to Lifestyle Theory, victims often become victims due to their increased exposure to risky situations.
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The UN Assembly declared in 1985 that victims are those who have suffered due to conflicts with criminal laws.
The UN Assembly declared in 1985 that victims are those who have suffered due to conflicts with criminal laws.
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The term 'dull normals' in Hentig's categories refers to victims with low intelligence.
The term 'dull normals' in Hentig's categories refers to victims with low intelligence.
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Victims classified as 'mentally defective/deranged' are considered more likely to be victimized due to their mental state.
Victims classified as 'mentally defective/deranged' are considered more likely to be victimized due to their mental state.
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Section 8 of the rights outlined states individuals have the right to freedom from unreasonable search or seizure.
Section 8 of the rights outlined states individuals have the right to freedom from unreasonable search or seizure.
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A 'victim more guilty than offender' is someone who initiates the altercation that leads to their victimization.
A 'victim more guilty than offender' is someone who initiates the altercation that leads to their victimization.
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The Criminal Code defines a victim as anyone who has suffered harm in relation to an alleged crime.
The Criminal Code defines a victim as anyone who has suffered harm in relation to an alleged crime.
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Study Notes
Victimology: A Study of Victims
- Victimology is the study of victims, a relatively new field compared to other disciplines like mathematics (originating around 20,000 BCE) and music (originating around 1400 BCE).
Historical Eras of Victimization
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Golden Age (pre-written laws): Tribal law prevailed, victims/families directly determined punishment. Retribution and revenge were primarily focused on.
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Dark Age (Industrial Revolution): Structured governments and legal systems emerged. Loss of cultural connections, kinship, and depersonalized neighborhoods occurred as families moved to cities. Offenses were seen as acts against the state, not the victim. Victims became mere witnesses.
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Re-emergence of the Victim (1940-1950s): Recognition that victims weren't adequately represented in courts led to a movement for victim rights. Researchers began to see victims as valuable crime and criminal information sources.
Key Figures in Victimology
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Benjamin Mendelsohn: Coined the term "victimology", identified the relationship between victims and offenders. Created six victim classifications, including completely innocent, victims with minor guilt, voluntary victims, victims more guilty than offenders, and simulating/imaginary victims.
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Hans von Hentig: Recognized offender-victim relationships, developed 13 categories based on the likelihood of victimization (e.g., young, female, immigrants).
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Marvin Wolfgang: Pioneered victim precipitation theory, researched homicides in Philadelphia, highlighting the role of victims' actions.
Theories of Victimization
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Victim Precipitation: Certain victims may initiate the crime.
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Lifestyle: Lifestyle and exposure increase victimization risk.
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Deviant Place: Exposure to crime stems from residing in high-crime areas, not from provoking it themselves.
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Routine Activities: The combination of a motivated offender, vulnerable target, and absence of guardianship is a significant factor leading to crime.
Legal Definitions of a Victim
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UN Assembly (1985): Harm encompasses physical/mental injury, emotional suffering, economic loss, or impaired rights due to criminal acts.
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Criminal Code (1988): Defines a victim as a person harmed by an offense, including physical/emotional harm, property damage, and economic loss. Includes aspects related to legal proceedings.
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Ontario Bill of Rights (1995): Defines a victim as someone who suffers harm, property loss, or economic loss as a direct result of crime. Includes death of another person scenarios and family relationships.
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Canadian Victim Bill of Rights (2015): Defines a victim as someone experiencing physical/emotional harm, property damage, or economic losses due to a crime.
Rights of Victims
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Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (sections 7-15): Outline fundamental rights, including life, liberty, security, search/seizure protections, arrest/detention procedures, criminal proceedings, treatment/punishment limitations, and equality rights.
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Impact of Victimization: Crime victimization is a process, not an event, leading to confusion, fear, frustration, anger, and lingering effects.
Impact Statement
- 1988
Types of Victimization Suffering
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Financial: Theft, fraud, mischief, and break-ins cause property losses and out-of-pocket expenses. This also includes time missed from work, travel to court (parking/transportation/food), medical expenses and counseling costs.
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Physical: Physical harm and injuries.
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Emotional: Mental or emotional distress.
Costs of Victimization in Canada (2014)
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Estimated total costs of crime: $28.7 billion (per capita =$807/year)
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Canadian justice system costs: $12.5 billion
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Direct costs to crime victims: $14 billion (excludes intangible costs)
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Intangible costs (pain/suffering/loss): $14.5 billion
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Description
This quiz explores the field of victimology, examining the historical eras of victimization from the Golden Age to the modern recognition of victims' rights. Test your knowledge of key figures and concepts that have shaped the study of victims in society. How well do you understand the evolution of victim perspectives?
