Victimization

Curriculum Guideline

Effective Date:
Return to Course
Print Guideline
Course
CRIM 4460
Discontinued
No
Course Code
CRIM 4460
Descriptive
Victimization
Department
Criminology
Faculty
Humanities & Social Sciences
Credits
3.00
Start Date
End Term
Not Specified
PLAR
No
Semester Length
15
Max Class Size
35
Contact Hours
4 hours per week per semester
Learning Activities

The course will employ a variety of instructional methods to accomplish its objectives, including:

  • lectures
  • guest speakers and storytelling
  • experiential learning activities
  • a high degree of class participation.
Course Description
This course will explore developments and critical issues from the field of victimology. The construction of the “victim” will be discussed by tracing the evolution of this designation through the development of the formalized justice system through to current debates. Topics such as the multidimensional impacts of crime and other social harm, the needs of victims, the evolution of victim’s rights, and trends in responses and legislation with respect to victims will be covered. Special attention will be paid to the human dimensions of victimization and the importance of considering the needs of those harmed in justice responses.
Course Content
  1. What is the history of victimology and the victim’s rights movement in Canada? This introductory section will provide an overview of the field, empirical research, historical developments in mindset and policy, and current issues.
  2. What do we mean by “victim”? This section will discuss the evolution of the term “victim” and how it has been constructed over time.  The issue of stereotyping victims and who is excluded from this designation will be critically explored. Also, this section will cover research on victim characteristics and prevalence in Canada.
  3. What are the impacts of crime and other social harms? The complex dimensions and various impacts of crime and social harm will be discussed including financial and other related costs to individuals and communities. Particular attention will be paid to the unique dynamics of sexual assault and intimate partner and family violence.
  4. What do victims need? This section will discuss elements of victim needs including safety, information, justice, support, access, and voice and how these have and have not been met by current justice responses. 
  5. Responses to Victims – The developments of various responses to victims will be discussed through a review of research, policy, and legislation.  Topics will include the role victims play in the criminal justice process and responses such as restitution, federal victims services (Correctional Service Canada, Parole Board of Canada, Policy Centre for Victim Issues, National Office for Victims), provincial victims services (police and community based victims services, compensation, legal aid, ombudsperson, crime victim assistance program), and balancing the rights of victims and offenders.
  6. Where is there promise? This section will discuss theoretical and practical alternatives where victims needs are held central (i.e. parallel justice, healing justice, restorative justice, crime prevention and community development).
Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of the course the successful student will be able to:

  • Discuss the evolution of the victims rights movements and where the gaps exist today
  • Demonstrate familiarity with the principles and impact of the Canadian Statement of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime, BC Victims of Crime Act (1996), and  the relevant sections of the Criminal Code, Corrections and Conditional Release Act, and Youth Criminal Justice Act
  • Discuss the label of “victim” from a critical perspective and how it has evolved
  • Demonstrate in-depth understanding of the physical, emotional, spiritual, financial, mental and relational aspects of harm and victimization
  • Describe the central needs of victims including the importance of information, safety, and support
  • Discuss the role of the victim through various stages of the criminal justice system from the criminal event to parole
  • Explain how the current criminal justice system addresses (or fails to address) the needs of victims
  • Explain the victim-offender relationship and the subjectivity of the victim experience
  • Discuss the cycle of victimization – the link between victimization and subsequent offending
  • Examine contemporary trends and issues in victimology
  • Articulate the various programs and services available to victims of crime in the province of BC
Means of Assessment

The evaluation will be based on the course objectives and in accordance with Douglas College policy. The instructor will provide specific evaluation requirements to the student at the beginning of the semester. Students may be required to complete in-class examinations, student presentations, essays, term papers, journal entries and comprehensive final examinations. Part of each class will be conducted in a workshop or experiential learning format requiring participation.

 

An example of one possible evaluation scheme would be:

Participation & attendance      10%
Reflective Journal  25%
Term paper  25%
Class presentation  20%
Final exam  20%
Total 100%

 

 

Textbook Materials

Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students:

Texts will be updated periodically. Typical examples are:

 

Wemmers, J. (2017). Victimology: A Canadian Perspective. University of Toronto Press.

 

Landau, T.C. (2014) Challenging Notions: Critical Victimology in Canada. (2nd Ed.). Toronto: CanadianScholars Press.

 

Scott, H. (2016). Victimology: Canadians in Context. (2nd Ed.) Oxford University Press

Prerequisites

CRIM 1150