Victimology - Wolfgang and Lifestyle Theories

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Deborah L Ikeda-Dore Colorado Technical University Online Victimology - Wolfgang and Lifestyle theories CJUS280-1501A-02 January 6, 2015 Victimology is the science of studying the harm experienced by individuals physically, financially, and emotionally due to illegal activities, (Karmen, 2013, p. 2). Victimology is traditionally considered a subarea of criminology. There are many victimization theories that describe aspects of victimology. Lifestyle theory is one that is based on the victim’s lifestyle. This theory not only centers on routine activities, but also the appearance, location, and vulnerability of the individual, (Kramer, 2013). There are three elements that interact in the lifestyle theory; the presence of motivated offenders, the availability of suitable targets, and whether there is an adequate guardian present, (Kramer). In the lifestyle theory individuals that live high-risk are usually involved with drinking, taking drugs, leaving the house late nights, and getting involved in crimes themselves, (Victimization Theories, 2014). In 1958, Marvin Eugene Wolfgang, publish his first work of data analysis he studied titled Patterns in Criminal Homicide. The book contained the first study of comprehensive data on 588 homicides in Philadelphia dating January 1, 1948 through December 31, 1952. Wolfgang found that data weakened the belief that most homicides are committed by strangers and in America many homicide victims may have provoked the situation, (Wolfgang, n.d.). Wolfgang established five stages of typical homicide, (Victimization Theories, 2014): 1. Victim makes a direct offensive remark to the offender 2. The offender perceives the victims words or actions as offensive 3. The offender approaches to “pay back” the victim for the perceived insult 4. The victim “stands up” the approach

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