Victim's Role in Victimization: Theory and Prevention

Introduction

During a period in American history when increasing violence against police officers — and violence committed by police officers — is headline news, developing a better understanding of victimization represents a timely and valuable enterprise. This paper reviews the relevant literature concerning how victims can protect themselves from being victimized, followed by a discussion of when and where victimization rates are highest. Finally, an analysis of how victim precipitation theory can be applied to the study of victimization is followed by a summary of the research and important findings in the conclusion.

How Victims Can Protect Themselves from Victimization

Unfortunately, the historical record confirms that even in free societies, violence can occur virtually at any time and any place, and people can become victims without forewarning. It can therefore be enormously difficult for individuals to protect themselves from being victimized unless they recognize the potential risk and take steps to mitigate it (Paradis, 2013). For adults, the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution represents the foundation of protection from victimization from the perspective of many Americans. For instance, Paradis (2013) reports that so-called "stand your ground laws" have been enacted in various jurisdictions across the country in order to "protect the right of those being victimized to defend themselves by any means available or necessary and to do so without fear of prosecution" (p. 3). For adults who may not want to carry a firearm for personal protection, other personal protection devices such as Tasers and pepper spray are readily available, and remaining aware of one's surroundings is always essential (Nowicki, 2009).

In the case of younger people, the situation is more complicated because victimization can occur both inside and outside of schools (Juvonen & Graham, 2009). When victimization occurs in schools, young victims may feel helpless to protect themselves from bullying or harassment and come to view schools as threatening and dangerous places, to the detriment of their academic achievement (Juvonen & Graham, 2009). In many cases, the only protection available to young people in these circumstances is to report in-school abuse to an adult authority figure. However, when violence occurs outside of schools, young people may attempt to protect themselves by avoiding activities and locations where they know they will be victimized (Juvonen & Graham, 2009). This strategy, however, can adversely affect young people's socialization and relationships with peers and adults, ultimately resulting in their withdrawal from social activities of any type (Juvonen & Graham, 2009).

When and Where Victimization Rates Are Highest

Today, millions of Americans are victimized by violent acts each year. According to a report from Truman (2016), "During 2010, U.S. residents age 12 and older experienced an estimated 18.7 million violent and property crime victimizations" (para. 2). These numbers are particularly disturbing because a majority of these victims were young males aged 12 to 24, who are at the highest risk of being victimized (Rates of victimization, 2016; Victims and victimization, 2016). Moreover, the rate of victimization increased by 17% during the period from 2010 to 2011 (Victims and victimization, 2016).

Victimization occurs in both suburban and urban areas. The majority of these acts — approximately 76% — are property crimes, while the remainder are violent acts against other people (Rates of victimization, 2016). In addition, females are at greater risk of being victimized compared to their male counterparts, and the majority of violent acts against this population are committed by people known to the victims (Rates of victimization, 2016). Research from the Bureau of Justice Statistics has also identified seasonal differences in victimization rates according to crime type: property crimes are more prevalent during the summer months (Lauritsen, 2014). Likewise, aggravated assaults, rapes, and sexual assaults are also higher during the summer months, but simple assault rates are higher during the fall (Lauritsen, 2014).

Conclusion

The research showed that each year millions of Americans are victims of property crimes and violence. Some of the steps that individuals can take to protect themselves from victimization include carrying firearms, using personal protection devices such as pepper spray, and remaining cognizant of their environment. Although victimization can occur at any time and any place, the research also showed that victimization rates in the form of sexual assaults, aggravated assaults, and rapes are highest during the summer months, while simple assaults are more likely to occur during the fall. Finally, the research demonstrated that victim precipitation theory can be applied to the study of victimization by highlighting the active and passive roles that victims play in their own victimization.