Victim Precipitation and How it Can Be Avoided

Victimization can be prevented in cases of victim precipitation, wherein the victim is a catalyst in their own attack (Fisher, Lab, 2010). This is especially true in cases of homicide in cases where the victim and the attacker had "some sort of interpersonal relationship" or in cases where there is a sex difference (typically with the victim being the female) (Fisher, Lab, 2010, p. 1006). In fact, victim precipitation is common when gender differences are in play according to the research on this subject and question.

This sort of victimization can be prevented, however, by understanding the patterns in which victimization occurs. Say, if victimization occurs primarily in a specific neighborhood, or following a specific series of events, or if it is connected with a particular lifestyle or life choices, these are all things that a person can control and avoid if he or she so desires.

Preventing victimization is about controlling those aspects of our life that lead is into questionable behavior where we are more likely to be in a position where some sort of violent attack may occur. By removing oneself from the equation, i.e., avoiding particular places at particular times, changing one's lifestyle, or making different friends if the ones that one has are prone to agitation, can all be ways of preventing victimization (Goodman, 2012).

Other ways in which individuals can prevent victimization are to try to go out with company especially if it is a bad neighborhood or a risky part of town. Being mindful of surroundings and understanding concepts like Broken Windows Theory -- the idea that rundown parts of town draw in negative behavior and more crime -- can prepare persons for what to expect in each of their surroundings. Informing on activity that is suspicious or risky before it becomes violent or deadly is another way to prevent victimization.

If one sees that a situation is in danger of escalating, it is important to alert authorities before a situation gets out of hand rather than after when it is too late. In this way, crime can be prevented, and if the crime is prevented, the victim is spared from victimization (Curtis, 1974).

Individuals can also take classes on how to prevent violence, which can lead to them obtaining the skills they may need to de-escalate situations, to escape violent conflict, to see dangerous situations when they arise, and to practice good and effective decision making skills so as to not get caught unawares. This is a very good way to prevent victimization: education and training is the best preventive exercise that one can adopt to keep violence at bay.

By taking this steps, individuals can help to prevent not only their own victimization but also the victimization of others. Also, by controlling themselves with more confidence and clarity these individuals can also help to avoid victim precipitation. This, of course, could be both active and passive, so it is not always something that the individual is 100% aware of at the time, but the idea of prevention is to always be aware of the possibility of danger and.