Summary of content

Increasing social scientific study has sought to understand the impact of crime on victims, why some victims report their victimisation while others do not, the true incidence of victimisation for various crime typologies, theories of victimisation, why some individuals are more likely to be victimized than others, statutory and non-statutory responses to victimisation, advocacy and compensation for victims, etc. Victims are also gaining a more prominent status in the media and political commentary. Additionally, the impact crime has on individuals and society has been conceptualised in a number of ways, including as trauma (including collective and cultural trauma) and social harm.

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the key issues, theoretical perspectives and debates within victimology, a critical understanding of victim experience, and how the category 'victim' is socially constructed. Additionally it will take a critical approach to understandings of both trauma and social harm and how society has sought to frame the impact of victimisation at the individual and societal level.

The module aligns with the Principles for Responsible Management in Education by supporting interaction, learning, dialogue and debate on issues of global social responsibility and sustainability and the roles of institutions to support this.

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