What is the origin of ‘victim’?
Latin victima, meaning a sacrifice offered to a deity.
When did ‘victim’ start referring to people?
By 1690 it meant someone hurt or killed; by 1718, someone oppressed or taken advantage of.
Define victimology.
Scientific study of victims, their relationship with offenders, and the criminal justice response.
Explain mala in se vs mala prohibita.
Mala in se = inherently wrong acts (murder). Mala prohibita = acts illegal only by law (drug use).
How did early justice systems treat victims?
Victims and families sought their own retribution; state had little role.
What is the criminal-victim dyad?
Von Hentig’s idea that offenders and victims are interconnected in crime events.
Who is Benjamin Mendelsohn?
Father of Victimology; created continuum of responsibility from innocent to imaginary victim.
What did Wolfgang find?
26% of homicides were victim-precipitated; introduced subintentional homicide.
What are the three elements of Routine Activity Theory?
Motivated offender, suitable target, absence of capable guardian.
What is the dark figure of crime?
Crimes that go unreported or unrecorded by official data.
When was Ontario’s Victims’ Bill of Rights passed?
1995
Main principles of Ontario’s Bill?
Courtesy, compassion, dignity, information, protection from intimidation.
What is the Victims’ Justice Fund?
Finances community programs and services for victims.
What are the four main types of victim services?
System-based, police-based, court-based, community-based.
What is the Victims Portal?
Secure federal site for victims to access offender info and manage preferences.
Define gender-based violence.
Violence rooted in gender inequality targeting people based on gender identity or expression.
How much more likely are Indigenous women to experience violence?
12× more likely; over 50% report sexual or intimate partner violence.
List the four concepts of survivor-centered justice.
Accountability, Recognition, Reparation, Affective Justice.
Define affective justice.
Justice as an emotional experience—feeling recognized, heard, and validated.
What percentage of Canadians 15+ experienced victimization (2019 GSS)?
19%, with women 5× likelier to experience sexual assault.
Who is Hans von Hentig?
Identified 13 victim types (young, female, old, immigrants, depressed, mentally ill, acquisitive, dull normals, minorities, wanton, lonesome, tormentor, blocked).
Who is Stephen Schafer?
Developed ‘functional responsibility’—victims can reduce risk through behavior; 7 victim-offender relationships.
What is victim precipitation?
When the victim is first to use force or action that triggers crime.
What is subintentional homicide?
When a victim contributes indirectly to their own death through risky choices.
