Teaching About Victimization in an Online Environment: Translating in Person Empathy and Support to The Internet

• NCJ Number: 251367
• Journal: Journal of Criminal Justice Education Volume: 25 Issue: 4 Dated: 2014 Pages: 405-420
• Author(s): Alison C. Cares; David Hirschel; Linda M. Williams
• Date Published: 2014
• Length: 16 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2009-VF-GX-K006
• Sponsoring Agency: Office for Victims of Crime (OVC)
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance); Report (Grant Sponsored)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article presents a framework for teaching a victimology course that allows for the full discussion of ideas in a manner that is supportive of victims of crime and does not inflict additional harm.

Abstract

With the significant increase in online education, particularly in the field of criminal justice, guidance on migrating instruction from a face-to-face format to an online format is needed. This is especially the case for courses focused on topics with the potential to elicit a strong emotional reaction from students, such as victimology. The current article shares tips on what to include on a syllabus, guiding discussion, and responding to student disclosures of victimization. In doing so, this contributes to the emerging pedagogy on teaching about trauma and victimization. (Publisher abstract modified)