Victims

Victims

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Institution:

Victims

Question 1: Why is it though some folks are victims of crimes more easily than others?        

            In determining why some people are prone to victimization, it is important to consider several aspects. Firstly, vulnerability is one of the crucial aspects that should be considered. According to FBI Uniform crime reports, young people are likely to become victims of violent crime, as they are considered more gullible and naïve. This is also observed when comparing crime victimization rates between males and females. Females are victimized more because they are physically weaker making them a suitable target for criminals. This validates that vulnerability greatly contributes to victimization. In terms of race, blacks are more victimized as compared to whites. This reality is attributed to stereotypic views of the black race as being gang members, living in high crime rates environments and participating in organized crimes. Poverty also facilitates victimization as stated in the NCVS report. Low-income individuals are more likely to be robbed as compared to their wealthier counterparts. This is because the poor tend to live in high crime neighborhoods hence they are victimized by criminals within this environment.

Question 2: Is it wrong place, wrong time or do they do stupid things to contribute to their victimization (victim precipitation theory from criminology)?

Evaluation of the criminal acts is imperative in determining whether the victim was an active participant in provoking and facilitating the crime committed against them. This notion is supported by the victim precipitation theory. According to the theory, a victim can be responsible for facilitating the criminal to commit a crime based on their carelessness and negligence. For instance, a victim of car theft might have left their car keys in the car. In this scenario, it is justified to blame the victim because their carelessness facilitated the car being stolen. Leaving children alone is also considered as an act of negligence. In the event where such as child is kidnapped and molested, it would be true to state that the child cannot be blamed. However, the parent or guardian is to blame, as this negligence is considered as facilitative to child abduction and molestation crimes. However, I believe that law enforcers should exercise caution and consideration when handling victims of crime regardless of the part they play in facilitating or provoking the criminal.