Victims' roles in the genesis of criminal offenses originate different sorts of crime and also influence the typology of offenders. A study of the victims turns our attention away from the offenders and reminds us that victims are not always innocent. The corporal and psychic peculiarities of people and their relationships, whether personal or impersonal, may cause victimization. The degree of hidden crime depends equally on victims, especially because they wonder if a criminal offense is worth reporting. The nature of a criminal offense often determines in advance the reaction of victims, especially if they would be obliged, by the criminal procedure against the offender, to subject themselves to further inconvenience and suffering. The action of social control regarding victims is quite an important question. There are various regulations concerning restitution of damage as well as various programs to help victims. A total of 39 references are included. (Author summary modified)