CRIM 3 Human Behavior AND Victimology

Bachelor of Science in Criminology (Nueva Ecija University of Science and

Technology)

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 HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND VICTIMOLOGY

(CRIM 3)

1ST SEMESTER A.Y. 2022-2023

Prepared By:

ODESSA G. LACANILAO, MSCJE

CLARA J. CARPIO, MSCJE
PERSHALYN M. ALMEROL,
MSCJE

Good day, everyone!!! Welcome back to school! Despite of the pandemic that we are facing education must
continue. Let's think that, out of this situation only good will come. All is well! For sure, you are excited for our
class in the new normal. So, let’s get started!!!

Topic: Introduction to Human Behavior

Overview
Human behavior is the capability of human individuals to react to internal and external stimuli
in their entire life. It includes the way they act based on different factors such as genetics social
norms, core faith, and attitude. Furthermore, the behavior is contributed by several factors or
traits possessed by each individual. The traits vary from person to person and can produce
different actions or behavior from each person.
Definitions of Human Behavior:

1. Human behavior is defined as the study of human conduct; the way a person behaves or acts.
2. Human behavior is the study of human activities in an attempt to discover recurrent
patterns and to formulate rules about man’s social behavior.
3. Human behavior refers to the range of behaviors exhibited by humans and which are
influenced by culture, attitudes, emotions, values, ethics, authority, rapport,
persuasion, and or genetics.

2 TYPES OF BEHAVIOR
A. NORMAL BEHAVIOR
It is the standard behavior, the socially accepted behavior because they follow the standard
norms of society.
B. ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR
Behaviors that are deviant from social expectations because they go against the norms or
standard behavior of society.
3 Faculties of Man:
3 Levels of Behavior:
1. Will-freedom
1. Vegetative level – refers to 2. Intellect-legal process
the nurturing 3. Soul- moral, spiritual part of a
and
reproduction, mostly
found in plants, in human
beings, for food and
reproduction.
2. Animal level – refers to the
movement and sensation,
mostly the use of the
sense, and sex drives.
3. Rational Psyche human-
refers to values and morals,
reasons, and the will (purpose
and freedom).
 ATTRIBUTES OR process of behaving. (Ex. You are hurt and you scream)
CHARACTERISTICS OF BEHAVIOR
4. COMPLEX BEHAVIOR- the combination of simple behavior. ( Ex.
1. OVERT BEHAVIOR – to be in love with someone)
observable behaviors. (Ex.
Talking, running) 5. RATIONAL BEHAVIOR- acting with sanity or with reasons.
2. COVERT (Ex. a person is more likely to buy an item at a lower price like
BEHAVIOR- those items on sale because they believe it is better).
that are hidden
from the view of 6. IRRATIONAL BEHAVIOR- acting without reason or unaware.
the observer. (Ex. (Ex. unreasonable behavior or having no clear objective or
Thinking) meaning).

3. SIMPLE 7. VOLUNTARY BEHAVIOR- done with full volition or will.

BEHAVIOR- less
number of neurons 8. INVOLUNTARY BEHAVIOR- bodily processes that go on even
are consumed in the when we are awake or asleep.
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ASPECTS OF BEHAVIOR
1. INTELLECTUAL ASPECT- way of thinking, reasoning, solving problems, processing
information, and coping with the environment.
2. EMOTIONAL ASPECT- refers to feelings, moods, temper, strong motivational force with in the
person.
3. SOCIAL ASPECT- people interaction or relationship with other people.
4. MORAL ASPECT- refers to the conscience, concept on what is good or bad.
5. PSYCHOSEXUAL ASPECT- being a man or woman and the expression of love.
6. POLITICAL ASPECT- ideology towards society or government.
7. VALUE/ATTITUDE- interest towards something likes and dislikes.

The following are the factors that shape and affect our behavior:
1. Heredity
> Refers to the pre-arranged patterns as a result of a process of transmission of genetic
characteristics from parents to the offspring, includes the influence present in the reproductive
cells before the time of conception. Adopts the theory of atavism – born criminals.
2. Environment factors
>Refers to all the conditions inside and outside of an organism that is in any way
influence behavior, growth, and development of life processes.

Question: What is the difference between Personality and Self?

➢ Personality is defined as the characteristics sets of behaviors, cognitions, and emotional
patterns that evolve from biological and environmental factors.
➢ Self relates to how a person feels about themselves inwardly.
➢ SELF- is the fundamental functioning of the self-structure that we make our selves and
our world. Under Self, there are assumptions based on learning and of three kinds:

> Reality Assumptions- assumptions about how things are and what kind of person we are.

> Possibility Assumptions- assumptions about how things could be, about possibilities for
change, opportunities, and social progress.

> VALUE ASSUMPTIONS- assumptions about the way things ought to be; about right or wrong.

Abraham’s Maslow Hierarchy of Needs

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-
Hello there!!! How's everyone!!! Our topic for today is Frustration. What are the reasons people fail to achieve
their goals in life and how they cope with their problems? Let’s get started!!!

Definitions of Frustration:
1. Frustration occurs when a person is blocked in the satisfaction of a need. He becomes anxious
and restless and tries to seek means of relieving these anxieties and engage in various
activities intended to satisfy his needs and reduce his tension.
2. In psychology, Frustration is a typical emotional response to the opposition related to anger,
annoyance, and disappointment. Frustration arises from the perceived resistance to the
fulfillment of an individual's will or Goal and is likely to increase when an intention or Goal is
denied or blocked.

Basic Types of Conflict:

Here are the reasons
1. Approach-Approach Conflict - a person is motivated to engage in two
why people fail to desirable activities that cannot pursue simultaneously.
reach their goals in Ex. The choice between two close friends
life:
2. Avoidance- Avoidance Conflict- the individual must choose between two or
1. Unrealistic Goal is
more negative outcomes.
when the level of Ex. A woman with an unwanted pregnancy may who is morally opposed by abortion.
aspiration is much 3. Approach- Avoidance Conflict- Conflict exists when there is an attractive
higher than the level and unattractive part to both sides. It arises when obtaining a definite
of achievement` goal necessitates a negative outcome as well.
2. Harmful or Anti-
Social Goal refers to Ex. The dilemma of the student who is offered a stolen copy of an important final
when the end does exam.
not justify the Cheating will bring guilt and reduced self-esteem, but also a good grade.
means.
3. Environmental 4. Multiple –Approach-Avoidance Conflict- this refers to Conflict with complex
difficulties (ex. combinations of approach and avoidance conflicts. It requires individuals
Deforestation, to choose between alternatives that contain both positive and negative
Water pollution) consequences. It is the most difficult to resolve.
4. Conflicting goals is
the result of the Ex. Between jobs, one offers a high salary with a prestigious organization but
presence of two or requires long working hours and moving to a miserable climate. In contrast, others
more opposing or boast plenty of opportunity for advancement and excellent fringe benefits, in a
better environment, but offers lousy pay and an unpredictable work schedule.
incompatible drives or
action systems.

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Defense Mechanism
- They are an unconscious psychological process that serves as safety values to provide
relief from emotional conflict and anxiety. They are forms of SELF-DECEPTION, which a
person may not be aware of, and resorted to whenever psychological equilibrium is
threatened by severe injury arising from frustration.
Classification of Defense Mechanism

1. Aggressive Reaction- these take the form of destructive or hostile attacks, done physically or
verbally, and directly on the obstacle blocking him.

Forms of Aggressive Reaction to Frustration:

➢ Displaced Aggressive- A defense mechanism in which a person transfers and diverts his
aggressive behavior against himself or some other persons or object, causing frustration
such as the following:
> Scapegoat- is a form of behavior resorted to by a person who blames another person
or objects directly for his fault or failure.
> Free-floating- in this type of anger, hostility becomes generalized so that hostility is
directed at most anything or anybody. A person with a prolonged passion that he cannot
express towards the person concerned may go around in a terrible temper so that he gets
provoked into quarrels and fights easily. Young people with a great deal of resentment
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towards their status in life commit vandalism, destroy public property without apparent
reasons.

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 > Suicide- is a self-directed displacement of aggression.
2. Identification- the individual enhances his feeling of importance by imitating or acquiring the
characteristics of a person he admires.

3. Introjections refer to a threat-reducing type of identification whereby the frustrated individual

incorporates into his personality the achievements or qualities of those who threaten him.
4. Projection- a defense mechanism by which an individual projects or assigns his own undesirable
characteristics, problems, impulses, desires, or thoughts to others to reduce his anxiety. The child
who cheats claims that others also cheat.

5. Withdrawal Reactions –these involve retreating or running away from threatening situations. This
is not a wholesome Reaction to frustration, but persistent failure to resolve conflict may give rise to
withdrawal techniques.
Note:
Fantasy or Daydreaming- is a satisfying imaginative fulfillment of desires. It provides relief from frustrations.
Two types are the following:
> Conquering Hero Type- the individual sees himself as confident, poise, successful.
> Suffering Hero Type or Martyr Type- is frequently resorted to by the individual who pities himself.
6. Repression- is a defense mechanism by which threatening or painful thoughts and desires are
excluded from consciousness. A person who has certain feelings of guilt about something he has
done may repress his memory.
7. Regression- a person returns to an earlier stage of development in response to some
perceived threat. For instance, an adult who is unable to solve problems that confront him may
resort to childish tactics. He may cry what he wants.
8. Nomadic- is another kind of withdrawal mechanism in which a person continually wanders from
place or situation in his attempt to get away from frustration.
9. Reaction Formation- it is a process of denial where the individual's own undesirable impulses are
countered by opposite characteristics, which is often highly exaggerated, extreme, and intolerant.
For example, an employee may continually praise his boss, whom he feels hostile.
10. Compromise Reactions- these involve the lowering of one's level of aspiration to accept a
substitute goal for one desired. In this Reaction to frustration, the person partially gives into the
frustrating barrier but does not completely give his original devices for goals.
11. Sublimation- forbidden impulses are redirected toward the pursuit of socially desirable goals.
An individual replaces a socially unacceptable motive with one that is socially acceptable.
Hostilities can be sublimated by participation in competitive sports involving physical contacts like
football, boxing, and wrestling. Sexual impulses may be sublimated to artistic activities such as
music, art, writing poems, dancing, etc.
12. Compensation- an effective defense mechanism whereby a person attempts to overcome what
he feels is a personal limitation by emphasizing the desirable ones. A student who fails in math
may try to save his ego or self-esteem by excelling in athletics.
13. Intellectualization- is a compromise reaction in which the only escape from a threat into words. It
not only brings attention but also provides an escape from feelings of inadequacy in-home and
social situations.
14. Rationalization- a defense mechanism in which plausible but false reasons are devised by the
individual to justify his behavior that is deemed to result in loss of self-esteem or social approval.
> It is making excuses or giving socially acceptable reasons instead of real ones. There are
different forms of rationalization, among them, being the sour-group and sweet-lemon
mechanism. The sweet-lemon mechanism is the attitude of accepting something you do not want.
15. Isolation- a form of reaction frustration whereby a person avoids conflict between two opposing
desires or attitudes by keeping them apart in consciousness.
16. Undoing- a form of intellectualization in which the individual divests himself of painful feelings
by making use of cleansing ritual after doing something which causes him to feel guilty
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Topic: Abnormal and Normal Persons and Patterns of Sexual Deviance

Overview
Human beings are different, especially when it comes to their behavior. Certain behaviors are
acceptable or unacceptable in different societies and cultures. According to personal adjustment, a
reasonable person behaves in conformity to society's acceptable behavior. On the contrary, if a
person does something different from usual or expected, it is called abnormal behavior.

QUESTION: Who are normal persons?

➢ A normal person is one that conforms to the Characteristics of a normal person:
standard behavior of society. 1. Free expression of personality
➢ A person is normal if he/she could cope with 2. Adequate security feelings
extreme 3. Efficient contact with reality
problems brought by situations not under his/her 4. Emotional maturity
control. 5. Adequate self-knowledge
➢ A normal person is one without illness.
➢ A normal person is someone who behaves according

QUESTON: Who are abnormal persons?

➢ A person is abnormal when it interferes with the things a person wants to accomplish.
➢ An individual can be called abnormal when he fails to meet the characteristics of a
➢ normal person. A person is abnormal when he/she deviates from the standard norms of
society.
KINDS OF ABNORMAL DISORDER:
1. Personality Disorder (Ex. Gay/lesbians)
2. Neurosis- means fear of something.
3. Psychosis is the most severe type of mental disorder.
4. Psychoneurotic are persons who are in the twilight zone between normality and abnormality.
5. Sociopaths or Psychopaths- are persons who do not have any neurotic or psychotic symptoms
but are not able to conform with prevailing customs and standards of conduct of his social group.

CHARACTERISTICS OF PSYCHOPATHS:
1. Absence of conscience
2. Emotional Immaturity
3. Absence of life plan
4. Failure to learn from experience

Abnormal Pattern of Sexual Deviance

Transsexualism
➢ It refers to a condition in which an individual feels trapped in the wrong sex's
body. Male transsexual thinks of themselves as women who want heterosexual
relations with men and sometimes request surgery to correct their anatomy,
including also for females.

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 BESTIALITY
➢ It is sexual deviance wherein the sexual gratification is attained by
having sexual intercourse with living animals.

NECROPHILIA
➢ A kind of sexual deviancy wherein sexual gratification can be attained by
having sex with dead bodies.

SODOMY
➢ An abnormal pattern of sexual deviance wherein the sexual
gratification is attained by having intercourse through the anus.

Voyeurism-
➢ It is the practice of obtaining sexual desire pleasure by watching
members
TR A N S Vof the
o p pEoSsTi t IeS sMe x undress or engage in sexual activities (voyeurs or
peeping Toms).
➢ It is an Abnormal pattern of Sexual deviance, which refers to
obtaining sexual
pleasure by dressing in the clothes of the opposite sex.

Exhibitionism (indecent exposure)

➢ It is an intentional exposure of the genitals to members of the opposite sex
under inappropriate conditions. It could be in the park, public places such as
department store, theater, church, or bus. The act sometimes accompanied
by masturbation.
Sadism
➢ It is the practice of obtaining sexual pleasure by inflicting pain on
others.

Masochism
➢ It is a condition in which receiving pain is sexually exciting.

Additional Sexual Deviance

Forced Sexual Behavior
> Rape- a condition whereby an individual forces another person to engage in a sexual act.
> Pedophilia- obtaining pleasure from sexual contact with children. Generally, overt
force is not employed, and often the child is not aware of the sexual nature of what is
occurring.
> Incest- sexual relations between relatives.
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Topic: Anxiety Disorders

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 Overview

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Experiencing occasional anxiety is a normal part of human life. However, if you experience Anxiety
continually, seemingly uncontrollable, and overwhelming, irrational dread of everyday situations,
it can be disabling. When Anxiety interferes with daily activities, you may have an anxiety
disorder
➢ Anxiety is a feeling of dread, apprehension, or fear. It is accompanied by physiological
arousal, manifested as increased heart rate, perspiration, muscle tension, and rapid breathing.

➢ Anxiety Is a feeling of emotional discomfort. It is a state of tension characterized

by fear and uneasiness and is often accompanied by increased physiological arousal.
Anxiety Disorders

It refers to a group of mental disorders (panic attacks, phobias, obsessions, and compulsions) characterized
by emotional distress caused by feelings of vulnerability, apprehension, or fear.

What causes Anxiety Disorder?

➢ When the id, ego, and superego are not in a harmonious relationship or are out of
balance, Anxiety develops.
➢ A person develops Anxiety when he experiences stressful events, health problems,
substance abuse, and personality problems.
➢ Anxiety disorders develop from a complex set of risk factors like personality, brain
chemistry, and life
events.
5 Common Anxiety Disorders
1. Generalized Anxiety - people with this disorder constantly worry but unable to say why (a
condition Freud called free-floating Anxiety). Jumpiness and irritability are symptoms, too, as are
nightmares.
2. Panic Attacks - an episode of acute and overwhelming tension experienced by those with
Generalized Anxiety. It can cause difficulty in breathing, choking sensations, chest pain, heart
palpitation, dizziness, fantasies, hot or cold flashes, or fear of dying or going crazy.
3. Phobic Disorders- it is the fear of, and consequent attempt to avoid the specific objects or
situations. A person who exhibits a phobia fears a specific situation and tends to prevent it even
though he or she realizes that it represents no real danger.
Most Common Types of Phobias are:
Acrophobia - fear of high Myshopohobia - fear of
places Algophobia - fear contamination Necrophobia - Fear of
of pain corpse or cadaver
Claustrophobia - fear of enclosed Nyctophobia - fear of darkness
places Ergasiophobia - fear of work Ochlophobia - fear of crowds
Gamophobia - fear of marriage Pharmacophobia - fear of
Haphephobia - fear of being touch medicines Photophobia - fear of
Hematophobia - fear of blood intense light Xenophobia -
Hydrophobia - fear of water fear of strangers Thanatophobia
Monophobia - fear of being alone - fear of death Zoophobia - fear
of animals

QUESTION: What are Dissociative Disorders?

➢ Dissociative disorders are mental disorders that include the process of disconnection and
lack of continuity between thoughts, memories, surroundings, actions, and identity.
Individuals with dissociative disorders escape reality in ways that are involuntary and
unhealthy and cause problems with functioning in everyday life.

QUESTION: What happens when you Dissociate?

➢ Dissociation is a break in how your mind handles information. You may feel disconnected
from your thoughts, feelings, memories, and surroundings. It can affect your sense of
identity and your perception of time. The symptoms often go away on their own.

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 Dissociative Disorders

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A. Dissociative disorders involve a sudden and usually temporary disruption in a person's
memory, consciousness, or identity. In some cases, a person suddenly suffers a memory loss.
This may include a person's name, home address, occupation, and identifying information.

B. Dissociative Amnesia - is the most common dissociative disorder that involves a loss of
memory with a psychological rather than a physical cause. It occurs after a period of intense
stress. It includes loss of consciousness for all or part of the stressful experience itself, such as
memory loss for an automobile accident.

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TOPIC: DEPRESSION and SCHIZOPHRENIA
Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also
called a major depressive disorder or clinical Depression, it affects how you feel, thinks, and
behave, leading to a variety of emotional and physical problems.

Two Major Types of Affective or Mood Disorders that each involves Depression
1. Bipolar Disorders- some still refer to Bipolar Disorders as Manic/ depressive Disorders, but this
term is outdated. The disorder is referred to as bipolar because the patient's behavior vacillates
between two extremes- from mania to Depression. A manic episode in this patient is sometimes
followed by Depression; the person becomes moody, sad, lacks energy, and feels hopeless.

2. Depressive Disorders are disorders that show no vacillation. Its essential characteristics are
depressed, sad, hopeless mood, and a loss of interest in all or almost all usual activities and
past times.
QUESTION: What is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia
➢ It is a group of disorders characterized by thought disturbance that may be accompanied by
delusions,
hallucinations, attention deficits, and unusual motor activity. It is a psychotic disorder, one that
is characterized by a generalized failure of functioning in all areas of a person's life.

Symptoms that are common to all forms of Schizophrenia

1. Thought Disorders- one of the first signs that a person may have Schizophrenia is
the difficulty of maintaining logical thought and coherent conversation. Disordered thinking
and their memory are impaired, random changes in topic and lack both meaning and order.
Delusion occurs (false beliefs), concepts, ideas, and symbols to people with schizophrenia
are sometimes thrown together merely because they rhyme.

2. Perceptual Disorders- in addition to experiencing a delusion, people with schizophrenia perceive

the externalworld abnormally. They consistently report hallucinations or distortions of sensory
perception- most commonly auditory (hearing voices originating outside his or her head), somatic
(sensation of snakes crawling under the abdomen), and tactile hallucinations (felt of tingling and
burning sensations).

• Disorder of Affect (Emotional Disorders)- display of inappropriate emotional responses, or

affect.

For example, a patient with Schizophrenia may become depressed or cry when her favorite
food falls on the floor, yet the death of a close friend or relative may be hysterically funny.

4 Distinct Division of Schizophrenia

1. Disorganized Schizophrenia- severely disturbed thought processes. Patients have

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hallucinations and delusions are frequently incoherent. They may exhibit bizarre effects and
experience periods of giggling, crying, and irritability for no apparent reasons.

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 2. Paranoid Schizophrenia- false beliefs or delusions that distort reality. Most often, these are
beliefs in the exceptional importance of oneself, So-called Delusion of Grandeur- such as being
Jesus Christ, CIA agent, the inventor of war. These accompanied by delusions that, because one
is so important, others are “out to get me” in attempts to thwart the individual's critical mission,
known as Delusion of Persecution. Paranoid trust no one and always watchful convinced that
others are plotting against them.

3. Catatonic Schizophrenia- this is quite different in appearance from the other forms of
Schizophrenia. They sometimes experience delusions and hallucinations; their most obvious
abnormalities are social interaction, posture, and body movement. Catatonic Schizophrenics
spend long periods in an inactive, statue-like state in which they seem locked into posture. They
are often said to exhibit waxy flexibility during stupors- they will passively let themselves be
placed into any position and maintain it. Often they cease to talk, appear not to hear what is
spoken to them, and may no longer eat without being fed.
4. Undifferentiated Schizophrenia- this is the catchall category, to which all persons who do
fit neatly under the other headings are assigned. It includes people with schizophrenia who
demonstrate disturbances of thought, perception, and emotion, but not the features peculiar
to the different types.
Causes of Schizophrenia
1. Biological Factors - disorder runs in families; that is, blood relatives of people with
schizophrenia are more likely to develop the condition than those from families free of
Schizophrenia.

2. Environmental Factors - some psychologists believe that a person's interactions with the
environment determine whether Schizophrenia will develop. It is also possible that children
and adults develop Schizophrenia because their home environment is not conducive to
healthy emotional growth.

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TOPIC: PERSONALITY DISORDERS

Personality Disorders are disorders in which one's personality results in personal distress or significantly impair social or
work functioning. Every person has a character that is a unique way of thinking, feeling, behaving, and relating to others.
Most people experience at least some difficulties and problems that result from their personality.

Kinds Of Personality Disorders

1. Anti-social Personality Disorder
> Anti-social personalities usually fail to understand that their behavior is dysfunctional
because their ability to feel guilty, remorseful, and anxious is impaired. Guilt, remorse,
shame, and anxiety are unpleasant feelings, but they are also necessary for social
functioning and even physical survival.

For example, people who cannot feel anxious will often fail to anticipate actual dangers and risks.
They may take chances that other people would not accept.

2. Borderline Personality Disorder

> People with borderline personality disorder experience intense emotional instability,
particularly in relationships with others. They may make frantic efforts to avoid real or
imagined abandonment by others. They may experience minor problems as significant
crises.
>They may also express their anger, frustration, and dismay through suicidal gestures, self-
mutilation, and other self-destructive acts. They tend to have an unstable self-image or
sense of self.

3. Avoidant Personality Disorder

>An avoidant personality disorder is a social withdrawal due to intense, anxious shyness.
People with avoidant personalities are reluctant to interact with others unless they feel
confident in being liked. They fear being criticized and rejected. Often, they view
themselves as socially inept and inferior to others.

4. Dependent Personality Disorder

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 >Dependent personality disorder involves severe and disabling emotional dependency on
others. People with the disorder have difficulty making decisions without a great deal of
advice and reassurance from others. They urgently seek out another relationship when a
close relationship ends. They feel uncomfortable by themselves.

5. Histrionic Personality Disorder

>People with historical personality disorder continually strive to be the center of attention.
They may act overly flirtatious or dress in ways that draw attention. They may also talk in
dramatic or theatrical style and display exaggerated emotional reactions.

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6. Narcissistic Personality Disorder
>People with narcissistic personality disorder have a grandiose sense of self-importance.
They seek excessive admiration from others and fantasize about unlimited success or
power. They believe they are special, unique, or superior to others. However, they often
have very fragile self-esteem.

7. Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder

>An obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is characterized by a preoccupation with
details, orderliness, perfection, and control. People with this disorder often devote excessive
amounts of time to work and productivity and fail to take time for leisure activities and
friendships. They tend to be rigid, formal, stubborn, and dangerous. This disorder differs
from obsessive-compulsive disorder, which often includes more bizarre behavior and rituals.

10. Paranoid Personality Disorder

>People with paranoid personality disorder feel constant suspicion and distrust toward
other people. They believe that others are against them and always look for evidence to
support their suspicions. They are hostile toward others and react angrily to perceived
insults.

9. Schizoid Personality Disorder

>Schizoid personality disorder involves social isolation and a lack of desire for close
personal relationships. People with this disorder prefer to be alone and seem withdrawn and
emotionally detached. They seem indifferent to praise or criticism from other people.

10. Schizotypal Personality Disorder

>People with schizotypal personality disorder engage in odd thinking, speech, and
behavior. They may ramble or use words and phrases in unusual ways, and they may
believe they have magical control over others. They feel very uncomfortable with close
personal relationships and tend to be suspicious of others. Some research suggests this
disorder is less severe from schizophrenia.
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TOPIC: Theories of Criminal Behavior
OVERVIEW

Crime is a complicated thing. For us to understand crime, we should know; first, it causes. Crime
is due to several factors. Sociological and psychological principles of criminality are intertwined
and technically not independent. As with psychological theories, there are numerous sociological
formulations of the cause and control of crime.
QUESTION: What is meant by breeding grounds of crime?
➢ It refers to a situation or places where something develops quickly, such as crime.

2 Elements in the Environment that Impinge on Crime

1. Exogenous variables – these are beyond the control of man like calamities
2. Indigenous variables are factors or elements in the environment that can be changed or
influenced by man (this serves as the breeding ground of crime).

Definitions of Criminal Behavior

➢ Legal Definition: Criminal Behavior refers to actions prohibited by the state and punishment
under the law.

➢ Moral Definition: Criminal Behavior refers to actions that may be rewarding to work, but
that inflict pain or one loss others. That is, Criminal Behavior is antisocial Behavior.

➢ Criminal Behavior refers to antisocial acts that place the actor at risk of becoming a
focus of the attention of criminal and juvenile justice professionals.

➢ Criminal Behavior Refers to acts that are injurious, prohibited under the law and that render
the actor subject to
intervention by justice professionals

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 Overview of Theories on Criminal Behavior

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1. Social location theories of crime suggest that criminal Behavior reflects where one is located
in the social system.
➢ Key theoretical idea: Criminal Behavior reflects personal distress (strain) t linked with
socially
structured inequality in the distribution of wealth and power.
➢ Major risk factors: Lower class origins, low levels of success at school and work, feelings of
alienation (as opposed to feelings of and anger), perception of limited opportunity in
combination with desire for conventional success, being a gang member, adoption of lower-class
values.

2. Differential Association theory, like psychodynamic theory, actually has powerful psychology of
human Behavior at its base. That psychology is symbolic interactions wherein people think is very
important, and any particular situation may be defined as one in which it is "Okay" to violate the
law. The attitudes, values, beliefs, and rationalizations that may support such a definition are
learned through differentials in exposure to pro- criminal and anti-criminal patterns. The major part
of the learning occurs in association with others.
> Key theoretical idea: Criminal Behavior is an expression of differentials in the reinforcement
punishment of criminal and non-criminal alternative Behavior.
3. A general personality and Social psychology of human Behavior of broad applicability have
emerged in the late 1980s and 1990s. Criminal Behavior is one class behavior to whose analysis
this general model appears particularly valuable. The general model is perhaps best described
as a social learning or cognitive Behavior or social cognition theory.
➢ Key theoretical idea: The chance of Criminal act (a) increases with the density of rewards
signaled for criminal Behavior, and (b) decreases with the frequency of signaled costs of criminal
behavior. These signaled awards reflect personal control through antisocial attitudes,
interpersonal control through antisocial attitudes, interpersonal power through the social
support for a crime no mediated control established by a history of reinforcement of criminal
Behavior and or personal predispositions.
➢ Major risk factors: Antisocial attitudes, antisocial associates, antisocial behavior history,
antisocial
personality, problematic conditions are the domains of home, school, work, leisure.
7 Perspective of Psychology on Criminal and General Human Psychology
1. Biological perspective- it tends to emphasize relatively enduring some based predispositions
(e.g., the physiological of classical conditioning) and events with significant somatic
implications (e.g., the effects of alcohol on bodily functioning).

2. Trait perspectives- it tends to emphasize relatively enduring behavioral, cognitive and affective
predispositions (e.g., extraversion, intelligence, and emotionality) without necessarily
requiring particular assumptions regarding the biological, psychological, or social bases of
these traits.

3. Psychodynamic perspectives- emphasize what people think of as the "truly psychological."

Psychodynamic perspectives search for understanding through an appreciation of the
personal psychological motivation and controls of overt Behavior. The widespread tendency to
equate psychodynamic perspectives with psychology reflects the pervasive influence of
Freudian theory on psychological and popular culture.

4. Sociocultural perspectives- within psychological emphasize the effects of the family, peers, and
community on individual Behavior. These theories tend to be socialization theories whereby
individual differences in personal Behavior, cognition, and emotion are linked to differences in
the training provided by different families, peer groups, and social institutions.

5. Radical behavioral perspectives concentrate on how the immediate behavior-environment

contingencies are responsible for the acquisitions, maintenance, and modification of individual
Behavior. The effects to the immediate environments depend very much upon how the
settings reinforce, punishes and ignores behavior.

6. Humanistic and existential perspective- It may be differentiated from the above according to
three concerns. The first is the emphasis placed upon 'free choice" and "personal responsibility
" The second is the emphasis placed upon a perception of the self and the world as
perceived and interpreted by a person. The third involves an attraction to the motion that
experience of interpersonal warmth, openness, and acceptance is associated with a personal
growth pattern that is both and socially positive.
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7. Social learning cognitive-behavioral social cognition perspectives - It may be differentiated from
the emphasis placed upon learning by observation, the role of cognition, and the importance
of considering the person in combination with particular situations. General social
psychological perspectives emphasize personal attitudes and beliefs, perceptions of others'
expectations, and the demands of particular circumstances.

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WEEK 9 MIDTERM EXAMINATION
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Victimology is the study about victims of crime. It is a branch of criminology that deals purely with
the underlying factors of victimization and the contributory role of the victims in the commission of
crimes.

Victimology is the study of “crime targets,” showed that a person becomes a victim of crime
consciously (knowingly) and unconsciously (unknowingly). A person could become a victim due to
his own action or fault. He somehow contributes to the commission of a crime because of his own
making.

GOALS OF VICTIMOLOGY
The study of victimology focuses on five goals:

1. To understand and measure the extent and nature of the crime as victims perceive them
2. To assess the relative risk of victimization
3. To appreciate the nature and extent of losses, injuries, and damage experienced by victims of
crime
4. To study the relationship between victims and offender
5. To investigate the social reaction of the family, community, and society toward the victim of crime.

CONCEPT OF VICTIMOLOGY
One of the most neglected subjects in the study of crime is its victim: the person,
households, and businesses that bear the brunt of crime.
The word victim was connected to the notion of sacrifice, especially in ancient cultures. Initially, the
term is referred to as a person or an animal put to death during a ceremony in order to appease
some supernatural power or deity.
Today the term commonly refers to individuals who experience injury, loss, or hardship for any
reason. People can be victims of accidents, diseases, natural disasters, or social problems like
warfare, discrimination, or other injuries. Crime victims are harmed because of illegal acts.
Victimization can happen either with or without the knowledge or consent of those who are
victimized. Victimization is an asymmetrical relationship that is abusive, destructive, unfair, and in
many cases, in violation of the law.

What Victimization Implies

The word victimization has a negative connotation. It conveys adverse effects or undesirable
consequences caused or brought by some external forces or by some individuals, groups, or
organizations. It implies the incurring of:
a. Injury, harm, loss, inconvenience, discomfort, pain and suffering
b. One party prey upon another (Fattah & Socco)

Contrary to popular conception, many forms of violent victimization are not punishable under
criminal law. The physical violence in sports, such as boxing, wrestling, and martial arts are an
example of this (Kalalang, 2018).
THE NATURE OF VICTIMIZATION
VICTIM CHARACTERISTICS
Social and demographic characteristics distinguish victims and non-victims. Among them are
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age, gender, social status, marital status, race, and residence.

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 AGE – victim data reveal that young people face a much higher victimization risk than do
an older person.
 GENDER – except for the crimes of rape and sexual assault, makes are more likely than
females to suffer violent crime. Men are twice as likely as a woman to experience aggravated
assault and robbery. Women, however, are six times more likely than men to be victims of rape or
sexual assault.
When men are the victims of violent crime, the perpetrator is a stranger; women are much more
likely to be attacked by a relative than are men. About two-thirds of all attacks against women are
committed by a husband, boyfriend, family member, or acquaintance.

 SOCIAL STATUS – people in the lowest income categories are much more likely to become
crime victims than those who are more affluent. Poor individuals are most likely the victims of
crime because they live in crime-prone areas, such as the slums and the urban regions. Although
the poor are more likely to suffer violent crimes, the wealthy are more likely to be targets of
personal theft crimes, such as pocket-picking and purse (bag) snatching.
 MARITAL STATUS – discovered and never-married males and females are victimized more
often than married people. Widows and widowers have the lowest victimization risk.
 RACE – in the U.S., African Americans (blacks) are more likely than whites to be victims
of violent crime.
 RESIDENCE – urban residents are more likely than rural or suburban residents to become
victims of crime.
TYPE OF CHARACTERISTICS THAT INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR VICTIMIZATION
Three types of characteristics increase the potential for victimization: (Finkelhor and Asigan, 1996)
1. TARGET VULNERABILITY. Victim’s physical weakness or psychological distress
renders them incapable of resisting or deterring crime and makes them easy targets.

2. TARGET GRATIFIABILITY. Some victims have some quality, possession, kill, or attribute that
an offender wants to obtain, use, have access to, or manipulate. Having attractive
properties, such as a leather coat, may make one vulnerable to predatory crime.

3. TARGET ANTAGONISM – some characteristics increase risk because they arouse anger,
jealousy, or destructive impulses in potential offenders. Being gay or effeminate, for example, may
bring on underserved attacks in the street; being argumentative and alcoholic may provoke the
assault.
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Topic: Theories of Victimization
For many years criminological theories focused on the actions of the criminal offender; the role
of the victim was ignored. In contrast, modern victimization theories already acknowledge that
the victims are not a passive target in crime, but someone whose behavior can influence his or
her fate.
1. VICTIM PRECIPITATION THEORY – according to this view, some people may initiate the
confrontation that eventually leads to their injury or death. Victim precipitation can be either
active or passive.
✓ Active precipitation occurs when victims act provocatively, use threats or fighting words, or
even attack first.
✓ Passive precipitation, on the other hand, occurs when the victim exhibits some personal
characteristics that unknowingly threaten or encourage the attacker. The crime can occur
because of personal conflict –
for example, when two people compete over a job, promotion, love interest, or some other scarce
and in- demand commodity.

2. LIFESTYLE THEORY – according to this theory, people may become crime victims because their
lifestyle increases their exposure to criminal offenders.
- Developed by Michael Hindelang, Michael Gottfredson, and James Garofalo.
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 - Centers of specific propositions: Probability of suffering a personal victimization is
related to the amount of time a person spends in public places.
Victimization risk is increased by such behaviors when:

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 ✓ associating with young men
✓ going out in public places late at night
✓ living in an urban area

One’s chances of victimization can be reduced by staying home at night, moving to a

rural area, staying out of public places, earning more money, and getting married.
People who have high-risk lifestyles like drinking, taking drugs, and getting involved in the crime
thus maintain a much higher chance of victimization.
During the investigation, victims are classified into three general categories that describe
the level of risk their lifestyle represents the violent crime that has been committed.
This information is essential to the investigation better to understand the sophistication or possible
pathology of the offender.
A. HIGH-RISK VICTIMS – victims in this group have a lifestyle that makes them a higher risk of
being a victim of a violent crime.
The most apparent high-risk victim is the prostitute. Prostitutes place themselves at risk every single
time they get into strangers, and for the most part, attempt to conceal their actions for legal
reasons.
Offenders often rely on all of these factors and specifically target prostitutes because such
conditions lower their chances of becoming suspects in the crime. Therefore, in the example, the
prostitute is a high-risk victim creating a lower risk to the offender.

B. MODERATE RISK VICTIMS – victims that fall into this category are lower risk victims, but for
some reason is in the situation that placed them at a higher level of risk.

A person who is stranded in a dark and secluded area and accepts a ride from a stranger would be a good
example.

C. LOW-RISK VICTIMS – the lifestyle of these individuals would typically not place them in any
degree of risk for becoming a victim of a violent crime.

These individuals stay out of trouble, do not have peers that are criminal, are aware of their surroundings,
and attempt to take precautions so as not to be victimized. They lock the doors, do not use drugs, and do
not go into areas that are dark and secluded.

3. DEVIANT PLACE THEORY – according to this theory, victims do not encourage crime but are
victim-prone because they reside in socially disorganized high-crime areas where they have the
greatest risk of coming into contact with criminal offenders, the more exposure to dangerous
places makes an individual more likely to the victim of crime.
4. ROUTINE ACTIVITY THEORY – LAWRENCE COHEN and MARCUS FELSON first articulated this
theory. They concluded that the volume and distribution of predatory crime (violent crimes
against a person and crimes in which an offender attempts to steal an object directly) are closely
related to the interaction of three variables that reflect the routine activities:
⇨ The availability of suitable targets, such as homes containing easily saleable goods
⇨ The absence of capable guardians, such as police, homeowners, neighbors, friends, and
relatives
⇨ The presence of motivated offenders, such as a large number of unemployed teenagers

5. VICTIM FACILITATION

Victim facilitation is a more accepted theory than victim proneness, finds its roots in the writings
of Marvin Wolfgang. The interaction of the victim allows certain crimes committed against them
or makes them vulnerable to become a victim.
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Topic: Crime Victim
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The legal definition of a victim typically includes the following:

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 ➢ A victim refers to a person who has suffered direct, or threatened, physical, emotional or
pecuniary harm as a result of the commission of a crime; or in the case of a victim being an
institutional entity, any of the same harms by an individual or authorized representative of
another entity.
➢ Group harms are normally covered under civil and constitutional law, with hate crime
being an emerging criminal law development, although criminal law tends to treat all
cases as individualized.
➢ Besides “primary crime victims”, there are also secondary victims who experience the
harm second hand, such as intimate partners or significant others of rape victims or
children of a battered woman. It
may also make sense to talk about tertiary crime victims who experience the harm
vicariously, such as through media accounts or from watching television (Eduardo, 2018).

Who is a crime victim?

Crime Victim refers to any person, group, or entity who has suffered injury or loss due to illegal
activity (man- made). The harm can be:
a. Physical- include physical injury; generally, it involves physical pain

b. Psychological- the following are psychological reactions:

1. Increase in the belief of personal vulnerability;

2. Perception of the world as meaningless and incomprehensible;
3. View themselves in a negative light.
c. Economical- it includes loss of property like family house, business establishment, and the
like.

Effects of Victimization
Being the target or victim of rape, robbery, or assault is a terrible burden that can have
considerable long- term consequences. The costs of victimization can include such things as
damaged property, pain and suffering to victims, and the involvement of the police and other
agencies of the justice system. In this section, we explore some of the effects of these incidents.
1. ECONOMIC LOSS

When the costs of goods taken during property crimes are added to productivity losses
caused by injury, pain, and emotional trauma, the cost of victimization is estimated to be in huge
amounts.
2. SYSTEM ABUSE

The suffering endured by the victims does not end when their attacker leaves the scene of
the crime.
They may suffer more victimization by the justice system.
While the crime is still fresh in their minds, victims may find that the police interrogation
following the crime is handled callously, with innuendos that they were somehow at fault. Research
by Courtney Ahrens found that rape survivors who speak out about their assault experiences are
often punished for doing so when they are subjected to negative reactions from people who were
supposed to give them support, leading some rape survivors to choose their silence.
Ahrens uncovered three routes to silence:
✓ negative reactions from professionals led survivor to question whether future
disclosures would be useful;
✓ negative reactions from friends and family reinforced feelings of self-blame;
✓ negative reactions from either sourced reinforced uncertainty about whether their
experiences qualified as rape.

3. LONG-TERM STRESS

Victims may suffer stress and anxiety long after the incident is over, and the justice process
has been completed.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)- a condition whose symptoms include depression, anxiety,
and self- destructive behavior- is a common problem, especially when the victim does not
receive adequate support from family and friends.

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4. FEAR

Many people fear crime, especially the old, the needy, and marginal group members.
Victims of violent crimes are the most deeply affected, fearing a repeat of their attack. These
people are more likely to suffer

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psychological stress for extended periods of time. Crime can have devastating effects on its
victims, who may take years to recover from the incident.
5. ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOR

Kids who are victims share many of the same behavior tendencies and impulsive
personalities. As Adults, victims are more likely to commit crimes themselves.
People who were physically or sexually abused, especially young males, are much more likely to
smoke, drink, and take drugs than are non-abused youth.
Victims may seek revenge against the people who harmed them or who they believe is at
fault for their problems. In some cases, these feelings become generalized to others who share the
same characteristics of their attackers (Siegel).
Models of Victimization
There are a number of procedural models that can be applied to the study of the victimization
process for the purpose of understanding the experience of the victims.
1. “Victims of Crime Model” (by Bard and Sangrey). According to this model, there are three stages
involved in any victimization:
a. Stage of Impact & Disorganization – stage during and immediately following the
criminal event

b. Stage of Recoil – stage during which the victim formulates psychological

defenses and deals with conflicting emotions of guilt, anger, acceptance, and
desire of revenge (said to last three to eight months),

c. Reorganization Stage – stage during which the victim puts his or her life back
to normal daily living. Some victims, however, may not successfully adopt the
victimization experience, and a maladaptive reorganization stage may last for
many years.

2. “Disaster Victim’s Model” – this model was developed to explain the coping behavior of victims of
a natural disaster.

According to this model, there are four stages of victimization:

a. Pre-impact - stage describe the victim’s condition prior to being victimized
b. Impact - the stage at which victimization occurs
c. post-impact - stage which entails the degree and duration of personal and social disorganization
following victimization
d. Behavioral outcome – the stage that describes the victim’s adjustment to the victimization
experience.

Do Victims have shared responsibility in crime?

Schools of Thought argues, “why laws are broken, and people get hurt?”. They are stuck
with the argument of Victim Blaming-Victim Defending-Fixed responsibility.
To answer the question asked above, one has to learn and understand the following concept?
• Victim Facilitation
• Victim precipitation and provocation shared responsibility in violent crimes
• Recognizing complete innocence and full responsibility
• Victim blaming and victim-defending

❖ Victim facilitation
The term is more appropriate to be used in cases of burglaries and theft. The term
facilitation refers to those situations which the victim unknowingly and negligently makes it
easier for the criminal to commit criminal acts.
Facilitating victims assist their offenders and therefore share a minor amount of blame.
They increase the risks of losing their property by their own thoughtless actions.

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❖ Victim facilitation and provocation

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 Both terms are more appropriate to use on the victimization of murder, robbery, assault, and
rape.
❖ Victim precipitation- it is that which the person who gets hurt significantly contributed to the
outbreak of violence.
Precipitation was the label applied to those cases in which the person who was killed had
been the first to use force, either by drawing a weapon, striking the first physical blow during and
argument or in some other way initiating a resort to violence to settle a dispute.
❖ Victim provocation
The term implies that the loser is more responsible than the victor. The injured party
instigated the attack that otherwise would have taken place. A provocation victim, challenge, or
incited a law-abiding person into taking defensive measures in reaction to a forceful initiative.
Shared responsibility for violent crimes.
Usually, victims that shared responsibility with the offender occur in crimes like murders,
assaults, rape, and robberies.
Recognizing Complete Innocence and Full Responsibility.
The degree of responsibility a victim might share with an offender has ranged from
facilitation to prescription to provocation. But the responsibility extends further in each direction
from complete innocence to full responsibility. Completely innocent individuals cannot be blamed
for what happened to them.
Victim Blaming Versus Victim Defending. Arguments that the victims of crime might share
responsibility with the offenders for what happened due to facilitation, precipitation, and
provocation have been characterized as victim-blaming.
Victim blaming follows a three-stage thought process:
1. The assumption is made that there is something “wrong” with victims. They are singled
out because of their attitudes, their behaviors, or both that distinguish them from the
majority.
2. These presumed differences are said to be the source of the victims’ plight.
3. Victims must change how they think and act if they want to avoid trouble in the
future. They must abandon the careless, rash, or inciteful behaviors that brought about
their downfall.

Victim defending is vague about what is supports in terms of who or what is to be faulted.
Two tendencies can be distinguished:
1. Offender blaming resists any attempt to shift the burden of full responsibility from
lawmakers’ back and onto the victims’ shoulders.
2. A tendency to link victim defending with system blaming.
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TOPIC: TYPOLOGY OF VICTIMS
Theorists have developed victim typologies that are primarily concerned with the situational
and victims’ characteristics and the relationship between victims and offenders. Benjamin
Mendelsohn was one of the first criminologists to create a victim typology. Listed below are the
typology of crime victims.
Typology of Criminal Victims
General Classes of Victims
(Based on the classification of Hans Von Hentig)
1. The Young – they are weak due to age and immaturity.
2. The Female – those who often less physically powerful and easily dominated by males.
3. The Old – they are incapable of physical defense and the common object of confidence scheme.
4. The Mentally Defective – those who are unable to think clearly.

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5. The Immigrant – those that are unsure of the rules of conduct in the surrounding society.
6. The Minorities – racial prejudice may lead to victimization or unequal treatment by the agency of
justice.
Psychological Types of Victims

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 1. The Depressed – the submissive person under emotional condition.
2. The Acquisitive or Greedy – person who wants more than what is sufficient makes a natural
victim of crime
3. The Wanton or Overly Sensual – those are the person who ruled by passion and
thoughtlessly seeking pleasure.
4. The Lonesome – person who eventually becomes a victim under wanting companionship or
affection
5. The Heartbroken – one who is emotionally disturbed by virtue of heartaches and pains
6. The Tormented – a victim who asked for it, often from his own family or friends
Other Types of Victims
Benjamin Mendelsohn created his classification of victim types. It includes six categories:
1. The completely innocent victim – such a person is an ideal victim in popular perception. In
this category, placed persons victimized while they were unconscious, and the child victims.
2. Victims with only minor guilt and those victimized due to ignorance.
3. The victim is just as guilty as the offender and the voluntary victim. Suicide cases are
common to this category.
4. The victim more guilty than the offender – this category was described as containing persons
who provoked the criminal or actively induced their own victimization.
5. The guiltiest victim “who is guilty alone” – an attacker killed by a would-be a victim in the act
of defending themselves- was placed into this category.
6. The imaginary victim – those who are suffering from mental disorders or those victims due
to extreme mental abnormalities.
TAKE NOTE:
Benjamin Mendelsohn is generally credited as the initiator of the word VICTIMOLOGY, as well as the
concept of PENAL COUPLE. The penal couple is a term that describes the relationship between the
victim and the criminal. He also coined the term VICTIMAL to describe the victim counterpart of the
criminal, and the word VICTIMITY, which signified the opposite of criminality.
Another class of victim is the ‘LOSER’ or one who is initially the attacker, but later, the situation is
reversed. An example could be the case of a mugger or a bully who ends up injured, or a swindler
becomes swindled.
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Topic: Crime Victim Services and Victims Right
CRIME VICTIMS SERVICES
Crime victim services are programs that are recognized to support a victim through the criminal
justice system.
Coping and help-seeking
One form of active coping is seeking help from others, and it can be from family and friends or
police. Attributions about victimization may play a role in whether an individual seeks help or
from whom they seek it.
For example, men who are victimized may be less likely to seek support and ask for help
due to shame and high expectations for men.
It is important to remember that victims do not choose to be victimized.Becoming a victim is an unpleasant and
unwanted life experience at best.
Coping with and recovering from victimization are complex processes. Unfortunately, some
victims never able to do so.
Interaction with the Criminal Justice System
Possibly the most worrying experience for victims involves dealing with the criminal justice
system if and when an offender is apprehended. At this level, the crime is considered to have been
committed against the state, and victims become witnesses of the crimes.
A victim can sometimes feel of losing complete control because he or she is not directly
involved in the prosecution or sentencing of the offender.

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 However, participation in the criminal justice system can aid victims in rebuilding their lives.
If victims are kept well-informed about the criminal proceedings and feel that they have a voice
in the process, they will

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feel that they are part of a team effort it enables the victims to understand the judicial process
and helps to return to them a sense of control to their lives and circumstances (Tantanco,2018).
Police-based services
Trained personnel generally provide these services, and the programs are affiliated with the local
police department. Services are confidential and provide immediate crisis intervention to victims
and their families for a specified period following a crime.
Community-based services
These include victim advocacy groups and safe homes.
What victims want and need from victim services?
Maguirre(1985) has reviewed existing research evidence about victims’ needs and identified
three areas of need:
- Information including the progress report in the police investigation and court
processes, and information about crime prevention and insurance.
- Practical help including short-term financial support, claiming insurance or compensation, etc.
- Emotional support, which, as we have already noted, is an evident need, but difficult to
quantify.
- Provide immediate payment for loss of earnings and expenses incurred in connection with the
crime.
- Provide interventions that can help protect people from further victimization- particularly
with domestic violence.
- Provide more practical help and information.

Other services that victims can expect to be provided with:

▪ Compassionate and respectful treatment
▪ Information on the legal proceedings and on their rights
▪ The presentation of their views to decision-makers
▪ Legal aid
▪ Swift case processing
▪ Protection of their privacy and identity in appropriate cases
▪ Protection from retaliation and intimidation where required
▪ Court-ordered and state compensation
▪ A special treatment to reflect special needs

Victim Rights
It is important to note that victims’ rights, just like criminal offenses, will depend on the
jurisdiction where the crime is investigated and prosecute; hence these rights vary depending on
federal, state, or tribal law.
1. The right to be treated with dignity, respect, and sensitivity
Victims generally have the right to be treated with courtesy, fairness, and care by law
enforcement and other officials throughout the entire criminal justice process.
2. The right to be informed
The purpose of this right is to make sure that victims have the information they need to
exercise their rights and to seek services and resources that are available to them. Victims also
usually have the right to receive notification of important events in their cases.
Most states require that victims receive notice of the following circumstances:
▪ the arrest and arraignment of the offender
▪ bail proceedings
▪ pretrial proceedings
▪ dismissal of charges
▪ plea negotiations
▪ trial
▪ sentencing
▪ appeals
▪ probation or parole hearings
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▪ release or escape of the offender

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3. Right to protection
Victims have the right to protection from threats, intimidation, or retaliation during criminal
proceedings. In some instances, depending on the jurisdiction, victims may receive the following
types of protection:
▪ police escorts
▪ witness protection programs
▪ relocation
▪ restraining orders

4. Right to Apply for Compensation

The purpose of compensation is to recognize victims’ financial losses and to help them recover some
of these costs. Some types of damages that are usually covered include:
▪ medical and counseling expenses
▪ lost wages
▪ funeral expenses
5. Right to Restitution from the Offender
-which means the offender must pay to repair some of the damage that resulted from the crime.
The purpose of this right is to hold offenders directly responsible to victims for the financial
harm they caused, which includes the following:
▪ lost wages
▪ property loss
▪ insurance deductibles
6. Right to Prompt Return of Personal Property
The prompt return of personal property reduces inconvenience to victims and helps restore their
sense of security.
7. Right to a Speedy Trial
8. Right to Enforcement of Victim’s Rights

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Topic: RECOVERING FROM VICTIMIZATION

There is no right or wrong way to feel—each victim experiences unique emotions at different
points during their recovery process.
Victims may feel shocked and numbness immediately after the crime. They may find it difficult to
react, think, make decisions, interact with others, or go about their daily lives.
Recommendations for Victims
➢ Talk about the crime with an enduring and compassionate listener. Families and spiritual
leaders can often offer the needed time, support, and guarantee to assist you in getting
better at your own pace.
➢ Communicate with a victim advocate who can offer support, as well as information about
the criminal justice system, and referrals to other resources.
➢ Take steps to strengthen your sense of safety and security. Work with a victim advocate to
develop a
safety plan and obtain a restraining order against the offender. Install new locks, a security
system, or additional lighting.
➢ Try to maintain a routine and make daily decisions to regain a sense of control. Avoid
isolating yourself from family and friends. Interacting with others can help to speed your
recovery.
➢ Mental health professionals are offered help in the recovery course. Call a crisis hotline and
arrange for one-on-one counseling or group counseling.
➢ Join a support group to talk with others who have experienced similar crimes and learn
what has helped them heal. A victim advocate will assist you in finding a support group if
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 one is available.
➢ Recall how you may have overcome difficulties or challenges in the past and try to use
some of the same coping strategies in your current situation.

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 ➢ Try writing or keeping a journal about your feelings. Focus on the positive things in your life
and make a list of reasons to recover.

These are things to avoid:

▪ Be careful about using alcohol or drugs to relieve emotional pain.

▪ Make daily decisions, but avoid making life-changing decisions in the immediate
aftermath, since judgment may be temporarily impaired.
▪ Don’t blame yourself—it wasn’t your fault.
▪ Your emotions need to be expressed. Try not to bottle them up.

For Family and Friends of a Victim of Crime

➢ Listen carefully.
➢ Spend time with the victim.
➢ Offer your assistance, even if they haven’t asked for help.
➢ Help with everyday tasks like cleaning, cooking, caring for the family, minding the children.
➢ Give them a special time.
➢ Don’t take their anger or other feelings personally.
➢ Don’t tell them they are “lucky it wasn’t worse”—traumatized people are not
consoled by such statements.
➢ Tell them that you are sorry such an event has occurred to them, and you want to
understand and help them.
Suggestions for Supporting People
➢ Encourage victims to express their feelings and provide a safe, nonjudgmental, and
comforting environment for doing so.
➢ Validate victims’ feelings and confirm that their confusing or troubling emotions are normal.
➢ Tell them you are sorry about the incident.
➢ Emphasize that they are not to blame for what happened.
➢ Allow victims to respond in their own way and in their own time.
➢ Check in with the victim on a regular basis and pay attention to any issues that require
intervention, such as substance abuse or mental health concerns.
➢ Provide mutual support to the victim’s family and friends, who may also be experiencing a
wide range of distressing feelings.
➢ Offer to attend criminal justice proceedings with the victim or help with any needed
paperwork.
➢ Gather information about other resources the victim can contact for additional support and
assistance. It can help victims learn how to manage their emotions and regain a sense of
control over their lives.
Common emotional reactions of the crime victim
❖ Anger
Victims often feel angry with the offender, the criminal justice system, and sometimes with
those closest to them. They may have thoughts of wanting to “get even” with the offender,
accompanied by feelings of shame.

❖ Grief and depression

Victims who are depressed often lose interest in their lives and struggle with feelings of
helplessness and hopelessness. It is essential to seek professional help if these feelings last for
an extended period.
❖ Guilt
A normal reaction as victims tend to second-guess themselves,
saying, “I should have …” or “If only I had …”
Criminal justice system personnel and others who focus on how the victim could have avoided or
prevented the crime may add to this sense of guilt.
❖ Fear and distrust
Crime is sudden and often life-threatening. Once victims have experienced it, feeling safe
again can be difficult. Victims may fear staying at home or leaving home and may find it impossible
to trust anyone.
❖ Anxiety
It may cause victims to avoid certain places, people, and situations that remind them of the
crime and their vulnerability. Worry can lead to physical problems, such as headaches, changes
in appetite, and sleep difficulties.
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❖ Frustration, loneliness, and despair

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 This may set in when victims are unable to recover even after a significant period. Victims may no
longer wish to “burden” those closest to them with their troubles, or those individuals may no
longer have the time or patience to continue to provide emotional support to the victim.
Crisis intervention and professional therapy also play a crucial role in recovery, especially for victims who are
struggling to recover on their own.

End of week 15
Topic: Preventing Victimization
Reducing Your Risk
Crimes can happen almost anywhere, at all times of day, and to just about anyone.
While the criminal justice system plays a role in preventing victimization through police patrols
and public media campaigns, you are also a good resource for protecting yourself.
Let’s look at some basic tips that can help prevent yourself from becoming a victim.
• Walk with another person for safety. If you do have to walk alone, stick to the middle of the
sidewalk.
• Keep an eye on your food and drink when at a party.
• Carry your cell phone with you at all times and have emergency numbers programmed
in for easy access.
• Call the police if you are unsafe and need assistance.
• Carry non-lethal weapons, such as pepper spray, and noisemakers, such as whistles.
• Avoid strangers who ask for directions. If the person does try to attack you, run in the
opposite direction that the car was traveling.
Knowing the extent to which people are victimized, who is likely targeted, and the reason why people are
victimized can help in the development of prevention efforts.
From crime prevention to victimization prevention
Since victimization has gained popularity as much as criminology, the focus of crime
prevention strategies is now centered on victimization prevention. But before delving on
victimization prevention, the following terms are defined for a better understanding of the topic.
Crime prevention- refers to the strategies that are pursued to prevent the development of illegal
activities, the anticipation, recognition, appraisal of a crime risk, and initiation of some action to
remove or reduce it. A better term than crime than crime prevention is victimization prevention.

Victimization prevention- this refers to the activities that would discourage criminals from attacking
particular targets such as homes, warehouses, stores, cars, or persons. Victimization prevention
demands that potential victims become crime conscious.
Crime control- measures that are taken in response to acts that have already been committed.
Example: adequate patrolling
Crime resistance- means making the offender’s task more difficult through advanced planning.
Victimization prevention is activities that are done before any crime incident happens and include
risk reduction activities, like:
1. Avoidance strategies
This are actions taken by the people to limit their personal exposure to dangerous persons and
frightening situations. This is done to achieve victimization prevention.
Example: not allowing strangers into their
homes, Ignoring conversation from
strangers
2. Risk management tactics
Tactics that are employed to manage the reduction of victimization risks and minimize the
chance of being harmed when exposure is unavoidable.
Example: walking home with other people,carrying weapon

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3. Crime prevention through environmental design. Stresses the importance of creating
well-protected defensible space by the target hardening. Target hardening means adding
lights, fences, and maintaining effecting surveillance.
According to the National Commission who stressed on the causes and prevention of
violence, when a crime is displaced, and criminals are deflected, the risk of victimization goes
down for some, and are flexible in terms of time, place, targets, and tactics. In other words, that
adoption of victimization prevention strategies by some very crime-conscious persons might
endanger other people who may be less conscious (Kalalang,2011).
The effectiveness of preventing victimization may depend on:
✓ prevention programs and policies need to target the known causes of victimization.
Although the offender is ultimately responsible for the crime victimization, it is difficult to
change offender behavior.
✓ Victimization involves at least two elements- the offender and the victim- both of which
need to be addressed to prevent crime victimization, and it is easier to reduce the
opportunity than the motivation to offend.
Offenders should be discouraged from committing crimes, likely through informal mechanisms of
social control
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Topic: Offenders’ reintegration in the community, and the criminal justice system and the victims
Defining “Community”
The concept of community is neither easily defined nor simple to grasp within the context of
offender reentry. Many people tend to think of the community as a physical place and space.
It is just as often created by relationships that people build, beginning with one-on-one and
emerging into groups of varying sizes that share a common bond and mutual interests.
In reentry partnerships, it requires collaboration between four vital existing communities, which
include:
•Victims or those who provide support and services to victims.
•Offenders or advocates for offenders.
•Individuals and agencies that implement venues for justice and community safety.
•Persons who are affected by an offender’s reentry into their neighborhood.
The first two communities — victims and offenders — are, in many instances, isolated from more
traditional societies, such as families and friends. There is often shame, blame, and guilt involved,
as well as a lack of acceptance and understanding.
The justice system, as the third community in reentry partnerships, is bonded not only by profession
but by a desire to improve public safety.
Myriad innovations over the past decade in offender management and treatment, victim
assistance, and community involvement provide an apex from which offender reentry partnerships
can emerge.
Finally, the community into which offenders will be released
It is where a person, after service of his or her sentence, is released. A place which is often the
same community in which the victim resides — has a vital stake in reentry partnerships.

THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM AND THE VICTIMS

The criminal justice system is one branch of government getting attacks from all political quarters
because of the consensus that it does not measure up to the expectations of many.
It is believed that it fails to deliver what is promises. It does not meet the needs and wants of
victims as its clients or consumers of its services.
Suppose a person is robbed and injured, what should the system do to dispense justice in this
case? Why should victims bring their problems to the attention of justice officials- the police,

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prosecutors, judges, defense attorneys, and corrections officials?
What do victims want? What would they like to be done? Victims can pursue one, or even a
combination of three distinct goals:

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 1. To see to it that a predator is punished
2. To use the justice process as leverage to compel the lawbreaker to undergo rehabilitative
treatment.
3. To get the court to order the convict to repay those he hurt for the cost arising from their
injuries and losses.

Law enforcement agencies are the criminal justice professionals that victims first encounter. They
are the first to help the victim and provide whatever physical and psychological first aid that might
be needed. They could apprehend the culprit and speedily return stolen goods to the rightful
owner. The prosecutor could indict the defendant and press for a swift trial. The judge could hand
down a sentence that would balance the victim’s wishes with the community’s desires and the
offender’s needs. Correctional authorities could make sure that the probationer, prisoners, or
parolee don’t harass or harm the person whose complaint set the machinery of criminal justice into
motion.
Victims and the police. When the victims report crimes, they want the police to come quickly and
with dispatch. Psychological and physical first aid is expected to be performed on them. Believe
their story or account of the incident, immediate apprehension of the perpetrators, gather
evidence that is admissible in court and recover any property taken from them. However, the
police might take a while to arrive, handle them insensitively, consider their versions of events
unbelievable or exaggerated, failed to solve their cases, and be unable to recover their stolen
goods.
Victims and the prosecutor. Victims, especially indigent ones, want prosecutors’ offices to provide
them with lawyers who will faithfully represent their interests, but more often, they may be
disappointed because the lawyer assigned to them can’s even take steps to protect them from
reprisals and don’t consult with them during plea negotiations.
Victims and Defense Attorneys. Victims oftentimes are at the mercy of the defense attorneys.
During cross- examination at trials, defense attorneys try to wear down the victims by stalling
tactics and asking hostile questions intended to undermine their credibility.

Victims and the Judges. Victims hope that judges shall be fair and impartial in handing down
sentences. The victim feels that the law is always in favor of the accused that threatens their
security and safety, especially if the judges set a bail low enough or the defendants are released,
or if the judge imposes sentences that do not reflect the gravity of the offenses that harmed.
Victims and Corrections Officials. The victim wants correction officials to keep them posted
concerning the whereabouts of convicts, protect them from reprisals after release, and effectively
supervise any restitution arrangements that were imposed as conditions of probation or parole
(Kalalang,2011).
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