Study of Victimology in Crimes
Victimology is the study of crime victims, perpetrators and society. Violent crime is defined by the Department of Justice as "murder, rape and sexual assault, robbery, and assault." Trauma caused by violent crime can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder, according to the American Psychological Association.
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Female Victims
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Sexual assault and rape is highest in women and girls. Rape is defined as sexual assault of a girl 12 years of age and older. For women, "the most dangerous place to be is in her own home" because of male perpetrators known to her, according to Hope Aquirre, victim services advocate at Rape Crisis Intervention and Prevention.
Male Victims
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According to Mark Stevens, assistant professor of justice studies at North Carolina Wesleyan College, "Men have higher risk of assault than women." Murder rates are highest for men, and especially for black males. For men, the most dangerous places to be are either "on the streets" or at war. In both cases, he is somewhat aware of the risks and has a safe place to go (i.e., home) to avoid the trauma or to recover after the trauma.
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Victimization
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Consequences of trauma can be long-lasting. People who have been victimized, show "significantly higher rates of major depression, thoughts of suicide, alcohol and drug problems, panic disorders, agoraphobia, and obsessive compulsive disorders," than people who have not been victimized, according to Stevens.
Victimologist Programs
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Victimology certification can be obtained online and through traditional college campus programs, such as those at Fresno Sate University in California. Graduate programs in victimology are also available online.
Careers in Victimology
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The criminal justice and social service fields employ most victimologists. Careers in victimology include researchers, teachers, forensic investigators, advocates, counselors and other victim services staff.
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References
Resources
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