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Central to the definitions of both ‘crime’ and ‘victim’ is the concept of harm suffered. The recurrence of this concept indicates the centrality of victims in understanding crime and offending behaviour. The experience of victimisation, however, differs from one individual to the next depending on the unique vulnerabilities they present with and the context in which their victimisation occurs. Because the experience of victimisation is not consistent, it is therefore integral to ensure policy and practices that govern responses to victims are informed by risk factors known to place victims and potential victims in positions of greater vulnerability. Studies in victimology consider how victims are defined, theories and experiences of victimisation, and associated impacts, implications and responses. This course highlights the importance of these considerations by examining a range of specific victimisation types, the unique risk factors associated with each, well known cases which illustrate the theoretical propositions presented within theories of victimology, and the range of impacts and implications that transpire from differing victimisation experiences.

Victimology in context introduces students to the concept of victim and theories of victimisation that seek to provide explanations accounting for why some people are at greater risk of being victimised than others. Students will examine victimisation across varying contexts and in association with particular vulnerabilities, such as: gender, relationships, and domestic violence; age, child abuse, and elder abuse; race, hate, and racially motivated crime; disadvantage, human trafficking and slavery; and socio-demographics and bullying. Responses to victims are also examined with an emphasis on how the factors unique to each type of victimisation experience as well as the impacts of victimisation are a central consideration to developing appropriate responses to victims. Students will consider key cases illustrating various examples of victimisation and the representation of victims in both the media and the criminal justice system. Throughout this course and built into the assessment schedule, students will have the opportunity to develop communication, reflective evaluation and critical thinking skills.