Victimology is the “study of victimization as it relates to persons, communities and institutions …and includes events that lead to the victimization, the victims' experiences, its aftermath and subsequent action” (Dussich et al., 2003: 1). This definition allows consideration of victimization from all causes, including natural disasters. Victimological study in the United States, however, tends to focus on crime victimization. With this focus on crime victimization, victimology as an academic area of study has its foundations in criminology. While this relationship to criminology continues to be very strong, the study of victimization and responses also falls within the purview of areas such as psychology, social work, and human services.

In addition to the study of crime victimization, services to victims have evolved as an area ...

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