Victimology

Individuals have been victimized by crime and other violent incidents for centuries, yet the study of crime victims is only in its infancy by comparison. Law enforcement professionals have recently begun studying the long-term effects on victims of crimes, particularly those who have suffered ongoing or perpetual offenses. Professionals in this field have the opportunity to work with law enforcement and various social services agencies as well as criminal court systems to make sure victims are properly advocated for and represented in these instances.

This comprehensive program in the study of victims of crime, Victimology, covers contemporary developments in the field of victimology, its conceptual boundaries, basic concepts and literature as well as the various subfields that make up this subject within criminology and criminal justice. The program provides learners with an extensive overview of the principles and concepts of victimology, the various types of violence that lead to different types of victimization as well as the motives behind such actions and both the short and long-term effects on individuals and society as a whole. Learners will have the opportunity to analyze victimization patterns and trends, the theoretical reasoning and responses to criminal victimization as well as the overall offender-victim relationships. Finally the program will look at how victimology has been used in the criminal justice to date, its uses and limitations as well as the implications of this study for criminal justice purposes going forward.

Presenting a comprehensive overview of the consequences of victimization and the various remedies now available to different victims of crime, particularly violent crime, this program examines the causes of victimization and looks at theories associated with violent victimization. It analyzes the offender-victim relationship and presents ideas on preventing violence and responding to victimization.

Program Objectives

After completing this program, learners will be able to:

• Define terms related to violence and victimization
• Examine the concept of victimization
• Trace the development of theories of victimization
• Differentiate between types of violence
• Examine offender-victim relationships
• Analyze injustices by the criminal justice system
• Examine motives for terrorism
• Assess laws to combat terrorism
• Appraise ways of responding to criminal victimization

Certification Opportunities

Victimology is not a state-regulated or licensed profession. Victim Advocate and Social Worker are related professions that may require certification or licensure depending on the role and state requirements. This course provides foundational knowledge in the study of victims of crime and supports learners pursuing victim advocacy certifications or careers in criminal justice, law enforcement, or social services.

After completing this program, learners will have the opportunity to take a national/industry-recognized certification exam to assist with entry-level employment.

National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) Victimology (CJ-VCTM)