Victimisation

• What is the study of victims called?

  Victimology
• What role do victims play in the criminal justice process?

  They provide evidence and act as witnesses
• What are the two perspectives on victimology?

  1. Positivists

  • Aim to uncover patterns in victimisation
  • Focus on interpersonal crimes
  • Victims may contribute to their own victimisation

  1. Critical victimology

  • Based on conflict theories
  • Focus on structural factors affecting victimisation
  • Believe 'victim' is a social construct
• What is the average chance of an individual becoming a victim of crime?

  1 in 4
• Which social groups are most at risk of becoming victims of crime?

  The working class, young people, ethnic minorities, males
• Why are the working class more likely to be victimised?

  They live in areas with high unemployment
• What sociological explanations exist for high working class victimology?

  • Involvement in subcultures and gangs
  • Higher likelihood of engaging in fights
  • Living in poorer areas with more crime
  • More opportunities to be targeted
• Who is at more risk of victimisation among age groups?

  Young people
• What types of personal crimes are young people most at risk of?

  Theft, sexual harassment, and rape
• What are some reasons why young people are more likely to become victims of crime?

  • Involvement in crime and antisocial behaviour
  • Engagement in subcultures and violent behaviour
  • Vulnerability to influence from older individuals
  • Potential domestic violence at home
  • Showcasing valuable gadgets makes them targets
• Why are ethnic minority groups more likely to become victims of crime?

  They often live in poorer areas
• What sociological explanations exist for high ethnic minority victimology?

  • Higher likelihood of involvement in crime
  • Living in poorer areas increases targeting
  • Potential victims of racism and discrimination
• What recent societal issue affects ethnic minority groups as victims?

  Racism