Myth or Reality of Victim Involvement in Crime - A Review and Comment on Victim-Precipitation Research

• NCJ Number: 99164
• Journal: Sociological Focus Volume: 18 Issue: 3 Dated: (August 1985) Pages: 209-220
• Author(s): T D Miethe
• Date Published: 1984
• Length: 12 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

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)