Criminal Justice
please give a response to my classmate’s discussion post listed below. write as if he/she is your classmate.
First off, what it is a victim(s)? Victims are the people or communities that suffer physical, emotional, or financial harm as a result of a crime (Burke et al. 2019a). I believe that in any situation there is victim a because most so-called victimless crimes have victims or at least potential victims (Law Library – American Law and Legal Information, 2021). Criminologists like Mendelsohn and Von Hentig had developed victim typologies that explains the different types of victims from innocent victims to imaginary victims; young people to fighting victims (Burke et al. 2019b).
I do believe that victims are re-victimized as they go through the criminal justice process. Most victims I believe will not feel at peace till the criminal has the deserved punishment and when the case is closed. One of the ways that a victim can be re-victimized is when they would have to testify in court which would have them talk about the incident, which would in turn have them go through the same mental and physical emotions. Another reason for a victim to be re-victimized is due to victim blaming (when someone survives domestic violence, sexual assault, or rape more than once, people are more likely to think something is wrong with the survivor than the perpetrator (Scully, 2020).
Trust and security. Trust is one of the one of the key factors on why dark figure crime exists. Trusting that they will be heard and that it will not backfire would be a lot of weight on one’s shoulders. Victims may also be in a environment where they feel that they can’t speak out. I believe a victim hotline would be a phone call away. It may help the victim on exposing the crime without fully exposing their identity especially when they are already in a vulnerable state. Family/friends support is also another way that can help in reporting the victimization. I understand that some people do not have that luxury to just trust their own family and friends but for those who do, those family members can speak up for that victim.
References
Burke, A., Carter, D., Fedorek, B., Morey, T., Rutz-Burri, L., & Sanchez, S. (2019a). SOU-CCJ230 Introduction to the American Criminal Justice System. Open Oregon Educational Resources
Law Library – American Law and Legal Information. (2021). Victimless Crime. https://law.jrank.org/pages/2257/Victimless-Crime-Critique.html
Burke, A., Carter, D., Fedorek, B., Morey, T., Rutz-Burri, L., & Sanchez, S. (2019b). SOU-CCJ230 Introduction to the American Criminal Justice System. Open Oregon Educational Resources
Scully, S. (2020, December 16). Abuse Survivors Can Be Revictimized – Here’s What You Should Know. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/revictimization
