POINTS:
1
REFERENCES:
Who or What Is to Blame for Specific Incidents?
QUESTION TYPE:
Essay
HAS VARIABLES:
False
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
CVIV.KARM.20.05.02 – Summarize victim-blaming, victim-defending, and
system-blaming arguments.
If a victim has taken steps to reduce the risk of victimization, s/he is considered blameless
in the crime. In situations where the crime is a ruse, either for financial gain or to cover up
another crime, the “victim” would be considered responsible. Victim blaming incorporates
those crimes wherein the victim is seen as being somehow involved with the offender in
the commission of the crime. Victimologists describe a three-stage through process with
victim blaming. First, there is the idea that there is something wrong with the victim in
terms of behavior or attitude. Second, these differences are considered the reason for their
victimization. Third, victims are assumed to want to avoid future victimization through
changing their behavior or attitude. The underlying belief to this thought process is a
justification for others in society, a reasoning for why crime would not happen to them:
“She was a victim because she acted carelessly. I don’t act carelessly; therefore, it won’t
happen to me.” The idea of a just world reduces fear of victimization. Victim defending
argues that those who blame victims are overstating the extent to which victims are
generally involved in the crime. In addition, they argue the advice given to reduce
victimization is not realistic given the conditions of, for example, inner-city neighborhoods