Victimology: A Brief History with an Introduction to Forensic Victimology

Historically, the latin term 'victima' was used to describe individuals or animals whose lives were destined to be sacrificed to please a deity. It did not necessarily imply pain or suffering, only a sacrificial role. In the nineteenth century, the word 'victim' became connected with the notion of harm of loss in general (Spalek 2006). In the modern criminal justice system, the word 'victim' has come to describe any person who has experienced injury, loss or hardship due to the illegal action of another individual, group, or organization (Karmen 2004). The term 'victimology' first appeared in 1949, in a book about murderers written by forensic psychiatrist Fredic Wertham. It was used to describe the study of individuals harmed by criminals (Karmen 2007). Today, as explained in our Preface, 'victimology' refers generally to the scientific study of victims and victimization, including the relationships between victims and offenders, investigators, courts, corrections, media, and social movements (Karmen 1990).