Organized assaults are generally aimed at wealthy institutions or individuals, but the most common crimes are directed toward the weak and poor, who are often afraid to contact the police. The poor do not have the resources for protecting themselves and their property, are frequently victimized, and suffer more from the consequences. The sick, old, and socially vulnerable or intimidated are easy targets. Many people acquire a 'victim mentality' that invites attack; those who have witnessed or experienced ill-treatment as children are more likely to tolerate the same behavior as adults. In addition, victims often display masochistic, suicidal, and defeatist attitudes which affect their bearing and behavior and thus invite attack. Many people take unnecessary risks or fail to take proper precautions--behavior which may stem from simple causes or from deep psychological problems. Studies have shown that more violent crimes are committed by assailants known to the victim than by strangers. Victims are often unwilling to testify against a family member, and many professionals still do not recognize potentially dangerous situations in the context of their perceptions of normal family life. Finally, the prevalence of male criminals and female victims is seen as a result of the encouragement of aggressiveness in men and the lack of support and assistance given women. The article recommends the use of volunteers to provide emotional support and practical aid to victims and of police as a logical source for referrals to link victims and volunteers. A link between offender and offended, such as the British Bristol Victim Support Scheme (BVSS), can serve to alleviate the bitterness many victims feel toward offenders and those concerned with helping offenders.