NCJ Number
99164
Journal
Sociological Focus Volume: 18 Issue: 3 Dated: (August 1985) Pages: 209-220
Date Published
1984
Length
12 pages
Annotation
After a brief overview of the victim-offender relationship in violent crime, the present state of research on victim-precipitation is examined.
Abstract
The adverse consequence of this research (blaming the victim) is compared with its potential benefits for theoretical development and public policy directed at crime control. Given its applicability in a sizeable proportion of violent crimes and its potential benefits, future research on victim-precipitation appears to be warranted. The paper concludes with illustrations of the pervasiveness of notions of a contributory victim in both public discourse and in recent legal rulings. (Publisher abstract)