Hale et al: Criminology 2e 
Glossary
Test bankHale et al: Criminology 2e
Chapter 24
This chapter introduces the academic study of victims (sometimes called Victimology) and the range of political and social changes which have brought victims of crime closer to the top of the agenda of those involved in planning and delivering services in the criminal justice system.
It reflects particularly upon the influence of feminism and other social movements on service provision, policy and legislation. Both in north America and in Europe, changes in the politics of gender, race and disability have impacted upon the ways in which we think about victims of crime. Alongside these social changes, criminology and victim studies have also moved with the times, and the somewhat unhelpful approaches to the study of victims from the 1940s to the 1970s have given way to a more critical and engaged approach.
The chapter goes on to consider the reactions and needs of victims of crime. While everyone is an individual and individual reactions are unpredictable, some patterns are discernable and these are described. When victims' needs and aspirations go unmet, there can be further victimisation at the hands of the criminal justice system itself. Some relevant research is summarised. The implications for service delivery are then considered.
As in other areas of social policy, it is instructive to compare policies between countries, and several aspects of policy and practice in relation to victims of crime are compared. The tendency in some countries to legislate and provide services 'for' victims without consulting them or victims' organisations about their real needs is discussed.
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