Early Beginnings: Victimology, as a distinct field of study, emerged in the mid-20th century, although the concept of victims and their rights can be traced back to ancient civilisations. In ancient legal systems, victims often played a central role in the justice process. For example:
In Babylonian times, the Code of Hammurabi (circa 1754 BC) included provisions that addressed
compensation for victims. In ancient Rome and Greece, victims had a say in the prosecution of their offenders.
2. The Emergence of Modern Victimology: The modern study of victimology began in the 1940s and 1950s. Two key figures in the early development of victimology were:
Hans von Hentig : In 1948, von Hentig published "The Criminal and His Victim," where he
explored the relationship between victims and offenders, identifying various factors that made certain individuals more susceptible to victimization.
Benjamin Mendelsohn: Often referred to as the "father of victimology," Mendelsohn
introduced the term "victimology" in the 1940s and developed a typology of victims based on their level of responsibility in their victimization.
3. Development in the 1960s and 1970s: During the 1960s and 1970s, victimology gained further recognition as an academic field. Key developments included:
Victim Surveys: The introduction of victimization surveys, such as the National Crime
Victimization Survey (NCVS) in the United States in 1973, provided valuable data on the prevalence and nature of victimization.
Victim Rights Movement: The rise of the victims' rights movement in the 1970s led to significant
legal and social reforms aimed at recognizing and protecting the rights of victims. This movement resulted in the establishment of victim compensation programs, victim assistance services, and legislative changes to enhance victims' rights in the criminal justice process.
4. Institutionalization and Professionalization: By the 1980s and 1990s, victimology had become a well-established field with dedicated research, academic programs, and professional organizations. Important milestones included:
The establishment of the World Society of Victimology (WSV) in 1979, which promotes
international cooperation and research in victimology. Academic Journals: The launch of academic journals such as "Victimology: An International
Journal" and later "International Review of Victimology" provided platforms for scholarly
research and discourse in the field.
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