VICTIMOLOGY: HIGH RISK VS. LOW RISK VICTIMS

 VICTIMOLOGY: HIGH RISK VICTIMS VS. LOW RISK VICTIMS

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VICTIMOLOGY: Victimology is a branch of criminology that specific studies the relationship between a victim and the offender by examining the causes and nature of this suffering.  Specifically, Victimology, focusing on whether the perpetrators of crimes were complete strangers, acquaintances, friends, family, which may inflict economic costs, physical, or psychological harm.

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EXAMPLES OF WHAT FACTORS MAKE FOR A HIGH RISK LIFETIME

1. prostitution as a profession

2. runaways 

3. people who place themselves in danger

4. those suffering with drug addiction/alcohol addiction

5. those who are homeless

6. those who are in gangs or affiliated with gangs

7. those who have a lack of supervision at young age

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PROFILING/CONTRASTING LOW, MEDIUM, AND RISK VICTIMS

1. LOW RISK VICTIMS: usually remain close to home and work and don't frequent places that they do not know well. Typically, they lock their doors and windows each night. Even LOW RISK victims can increase their risk by circumstances outside of their control: ie, situational factors, circumstances, and environment can effect risk level.

2. MEDIUM RISK VICTIMS: are people considered to work close to home and lock their doors at night. However, these individuals can be indiscriminate in their decision-making. At times, perhaps spur of the moment, venture out "into the night alone" (increasing their risk level in doing so)

3. HIGH RISH VICTIM: those that live a high risk "lifestyle" are often high risk victims. Number one, highest risk of of becoming a victim, is a street-walk-prostitute by profession. They hitchhike , and get in cars with complete strangers. They tend to work night hours, tend to interact with a lot of strangers; therefore, becoming an "easy" to target. Other  high risk behavior is drug use/addiction, they tend to congregate in groups on the street (ie, gang members, affiliation, prostitutes), that may have criminal intent or ulterior motives. 

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PERPETRAITORS

  Perpetrators are considered to choose their "victims" based on their own fantasies and or victim's susceptibility /availability. There are those that truly become a "victim of opportunity" or often the. phrase is used "wrong place, wrong time." The biggest contrast between high and low risk victims is their susceptibility to placing themselves in unfamiliar/dangerous situations.