In recent literature, victims are characterized as helpless and vulnerable. Some recent studies have started to undermine the belief that offenders and victims form distinct groups in society. They have suggested that engagement in offending behavior is one of the strongest correlates of victimization and vice versa. Social processes that contribute to high rates of offending correspond with those that contribute to high rates of victimization. The relationship between being an offender and being a victim varies between offense and victimization types. With regard to petty theft, victimization may actually lead to offending as the "victim" attempts to replace lost items. This study aimed to explore the relationship between victimization and offending. The research employed both surveys and in-depth interviews and was longitudinal. An accurate victimology of the victim-offender overlap was the goal. The findings support earlier analyses of the relationship between victimization and offending. Self-reported drug offending was related to having received threats and self-reported violence was associated with assault victimization. It appears that social circumstances are related to total victimization. Some lifestyles and offending careers may leave one open to not just victimization, but particularly serious victimization. It is concluded that victimology cannot distinguish itself from criminology. 4 tables, appendix, 21 notes, 40 references