Assignment: Apply Victimization Theory

STUDENT REPLY #1 Katlan Hatton

There are four main theories of Victimology: routine activity, deviant place, lifestyle, and victim participation. The routine activity theory suggests that there must be three factors that reflect regular activities in a normal lifestyle. These factors increase the likelihood of being victimized. Deviant place theory proposes that certain places pose higher risk for being victimized especially when someone frequents that location. Lifestyle theories suggest that some criminals target their victims based on their lifestyle. If you have ever watched Criminal Minds then you can compare this theory to when they say someone was a high-profile victim, because they lived a life (like abusing drugs or prostitution) that gave a higher risk for being a victim. The victim participation theory states that some people may instigate or start a conflict that results in their victimization.

I live in a small town that tends to have a lot of drama and after learning about the different theories of victimology I believe victim participation could be the main reason for victimization in my town. Although you could find many crimes and link any of the other three theories as to why the victim became a victim, victim participation would best fit majority of the crimes committed. In the past 10 years I can recall many crimes committed where the victim had instigated a fight or was committed out of jealousy due to the victim finding success in their life.

There are many ways to apply concepts from the victim participation theory to protect myself from being victimized. Jones, J. R. explains that the behaviors with victim participation can include alcohol or drugs that can cause the victim to act out (2017). One way to apply the concepts of this theory is to make sure, if I am out drinking, that I do not overdo it and can still be in full control of my actions. I can also choose my battles wisely and not start fights or arguments that are not necessary and could possibly put my life in danger. Another way would be to not engage with people who tend to instigate fights or get aggressive when drinking. The theory also states that gaining success in your life can lead to victimization. With taking this concept into account I cannot announce big work promotions online or to other people. I can also keep my personal life more private to not be sought out at a victim in a crime due to jealousy or other motives.

Law enforcement can also use these theories to decrease violent victimization by considering the theory that best fits their location and taking preventative measures. For example, if they are in an area where the lifestyle theory best fits victimization, they can patrol more often in the high traffic area for drugs and prostitution. Law enforcement could also do daily check ins to see if any of the sex workers are missing or have had trouble with customers. If the area fits more with deviant place theory, they can also increase patrol in those areas. They could also create social media posts and talk to locals or high-risk victims about possible ways to prevent being victimized and what to do if there is a potential crime in progress.

Reference

Karmen, A. (2020). Crime victims: An introduction to victimology (10th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

4 theories of Victimology explained. eLawTalk.com. (2022, January 29). Retrieved March 16, 2022, from https://elawtalk.com/theories-of-victimology/

4 theories of Victimology explained. eLawTalk.com. (2022, January 29). Retrieved March 16, 2022, from https://elawtalk.com/theories-of-victimology/

Jones, J. R. (2017). Explaining victimization. In Primary theories of crime and victimization (2nd ed.). (pp. 216-238). Bloomington, IN: Xlibris.

STUDENT REPLY #2 Hannah Frazier

Which victimization theory best explains the primary reason for victimization in the city, state, or nation in which you live? Why?

In my town, there isn’t that much crime, but we do have a lot of car break ins. I think the main theory that describes the reason why this is still happening is the routine activities theory. People feel safe in a small town and leave their car doors unlocked, leading people to easily take things from their cars. The routine activities theory has three components; 1: a motivated offender (the person breaking into the car), 2: a suitable target (people in my neighborhood), and 3: absence of a capable guardian (unlocked doors).

How can you apply concepts from this theory to protect yourself from being victimized?

To stop these car break-ins from happening, people around my neighborhood need to take certain precautions to prevent it from happening. First, people need to lock their car doors whenever they get out and leave their cars unattended. Second, people need to take everything out of their cars (or put it in the glove box or trunk) so there is nothing for an offender to want to steal.

How can law enforcement application of these theories assist with the decrease of violent victimization?

Law enforcement can broadcast to the community to make sure they know what is happening, as well as telling them to lock their cars. Also, police need to patrol backroads that they don’t usually go down to check for any suspicious activity.