191-434 Victims

Formerly available as 191-029/334. Students who have completed 191-029 or 191-334 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

37.5 points of second/third-year criminology subjects for third year. Admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth-year honours in criminology or sociology for fourth year. There is a quota of 40 places in this subject.

This subject provides a history of victimology and victim movements. It reviews definitions of victimisation and discusses whether the concept should be restricted to victims of crime or also include victims of abuses of power. Research on patterns of victimisation and on victims' needs is summarised and reviewed. Victim organisations and programs in Victoria and Australia are assessed, and compared with approaches overseas. Other topics include feminist perspectives on victimisation and victims and the legal process.

A essay of 2000 words and a 2-hour exam equivalent to 2000 words. Fourth-year students will complete an additional assessment equivalent to 1000 words.