: Benjamin Mendelsohn and Hans von Hentig are considered the "fathers" of the field. Mendelsohn coined the term "victimology" in 1947.
Victimologists use several frameworks to understand why victimization occurs: Crime Victims: An Introduction to Victimology
: Examines the extent to which a victim's behavior (intentional or not) may have initiated or fueled the criminal interaction. : Benjamin Mendelsohn and Hans von Hentig are
: Suggests that an individual's routine activities and lifestyle choices (e.g., frequently being in high-crime areas at night) can increase their exposure to motivated offenders. : Suggests that an individual's routine activities and
Victimology distinguishes between different levels of impact: Introduction to Victimology - Sage
For centuries, the burden of justice fell primarily on the victim, who had to personally pursue the offender. Modern victimology emerged as a distinct discipline after World War II:
: The field expanded from purely scientific study to include victim advocacy . Social movements and government commissions began urging better treatment of victims within the justice system. 2. Core Theoretical Perspectives