4.9 Chapter Conclusion
Summary
As society, its perceptions, and the number and type of victims of crime continues to evolve, it is fitting that the discipline of victimology remains committed to the victims, families, and witnesses to crime. In conducting victim studies, flexible and focused approaches that can be tailored to the typology and often unique circumstances of crimes must be encouraged. Cultural and community stigma can be impactful to already stressful conditions, as can the severity of crime which is the source of physical and mental harm. Keeping a vigilant eye on emerging trends in the discipline of victimization, developing from careful study and a tailored approach to persons adversely affected by crime, will serve to better inform approaches to enforcement, prosecution, corrections, support resources and managing outcomes in each dimension for the future.
Review Questions
- Describe the term “victimology” in simple terms.
- What are some of the rights victims have in your state? Do you think these rights are sufficient? If you could legislate, what rights do you think your state should have that it currently does not? Finally, do you disagree with any of the rights that victims are afforded in your state?
- Explain why the elderly population might be especially vulnerable to financial abuse? Why do criminals target elders in financial scams?
- Artificial intelligence (AI) in many forms is being developed and deployed at a rapid pace. What are some examples of how AI might lend itself well to victimization of certain individuals?
- Why is it both appropriate and important that victimologists employ the Scientific Method when studying the victims of crime?
- What are the four basic questions associated with the field of victimology?
- In what ways do victimization impact a person’s physical and mental health?
- What are some of the anticipated long-term consequences of victimization? How might these consequences vary between different forms of criminal victimization?
