The history of the victim notes that for centuries crime victims have had, in theory, the option of bringing tort actions against persons who have criminally victimized them. In practice, however, this potential civil remedy is usually of little value to the victim. Often the offender is not known to the victim; and even when the offender is known, the victim cannot afford the expense of a civil lawsuit. A review of the history of victimology addresses the development of victim typologies and research on victim-precipitated crimes. Separate sections cover the emergence of rape crisis centers and battered women's shelters as well as victim compensation legislation. The 1986 National Survey of Victim Service and Assistance Programs examined trends, patterns of program development, and the current state of the art in victim services. This chapter concludes with a summary of survey information on types of services offered, funding, and staffing. 38 references.