Description: Victimology is the study of victims, particularly in the context of crime and its impact. This interdisciplinary field focuses on understanding the experiences, needs, and rights of victims, as well as analyzing how the criminal justice system responds to them. Victimology examines victims not only from a legal perspective but also considers social, psychological, and cultural factors that influence their situation. Through this approach, it seeks to promote greater empathy and understanding towards victims, as well as advocate for policies that ensure their protection and support. Victimology is also interested in the phenomenon of victimization, studying how victims can be revictimized by the judicial system or society at large. In a world where technology is rapidly advancing, victimology faces new challenges, such as the impact of cybercrime and the need to adapt the justice system’s responses to these realities. In this sense, victimology becomes an essential field for creating a fairer and more equitable environment for those who have suffered a crime.
History: Victimology as a discipline began to take shape in the 1940s when criminologist Hans von Henting became interested in the role of the victim in the criminal process. In 1970, the term ‘victimology’ was coined by criminologist Benjamin Mendelsohn, who is considered one of the founding fathers of this discipline. Over the decades, victimology has evolved, incorporating psychological, sociological, and legal approaches, and has influenced the creation of public policies and victim support programs in various countries.
Uses: Victimology is used in various fields, including criminology, psychology, law, and social work. Its applications include the formulation of public policies that protect victims’ rights, the creation of support and rehabilitation programs, and the training of professionals in handling victim cases. Additionally, victimology contributes to research on crime prevention and improving the response of the criminal justice system.
Examples: A practical example of victimology is the development of assistance programs for victims of violent crimes, which provide psychological and legal support. Another case is the implementation of laws that guarantee specific rights to victims, such as the right to be heard in judicial proceedings. Additionally, in the digital realm, victimology is applied to the study of victims of cybercrime, helping to design prevention and response strategies.
