CMY3705
Assignment 1
(COMPLETE
ANSWERS)
Semester 1 2024 -
DUE 5 April 2024
ADMIN
[COMPANY NAME]
, Thoroughly discuss how the field of victimology evolved over time, and what
pivotal historical events or movements have significantly
Victimology is the study of victims, their experiences, and the impact of
crime on individuals. The field has evolved significantly over time, with its
roots in criminology and the broader criminal justice system. Several pivotal
historical events and movements have contributed to the development and
transformation of victimology.
1. Early Perspectives (Pre-20th Century):
• Before the 20th century, the focus of justice systems was primarily on
offenders rather than victims.
• The Hammurabi Code (circa 1754 BC) is one of the earliest known legal
codes that acknowledged the rights of victims by prescribing
restitution for harm caused.
• However, early legal systems often focused on retribution and
punishment rather than addressing the needs and rights of victims.
2. 20th Century Developments:
• The early 20th century saw a shift towards recognizing the importance
of understanding and addressing the needs of crime victims.
• The emergence of the civil rights movement in the 1960s and 1970s
influenced the field by emphasizing the importance of individual rights
and equality.
• The 1960s also witnessed the establishment of victim compensation
programs, recognizing the financial burdens placed on victims.
3. Victim's Rights Movement:
• The 1970s and 1980s marked the emergence of the victim's rights
movement, spurred by high-profile cases and growing awareness of
the needs of crime victims.
• Advocacy groups like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and
Parents of Murdered Children played a crucial role in pushing for
legislative changes to protect and support victims.
• During this period, many countries introduced legal reforms to ensure
that victims were not merely witnesses but active participants in the
criminal justice process.
4. United Nations Declarations:
• In 1985, the United Nations adopted the Declaration of Basic Principles
of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power, which outlined the
rights of victims and called for greater attention to their needs.
Assignment 1
(COMPLETE
ANSWERS)
Semester 1 2024 -
DUE 5 April 2024
ADMIN
[COMPANY NAME]
, Thoroughly discuss how the field of victimology evolved over time, and what
pivotal historical events or movements have significantly
Victimology is the study of victims, their experiences, and the impact of
crime on individuals. The field has evolved significantly over time, with its
roots in criminology and the broader criminal justice system. Several pivotal
historical events and movements have contributed to the development and
transformation of victimology.
1. Early Perspectives (Pre-20th Century):
• Before the 20th century, the focus of justice systems was primarily on
offenders rather than victims.
• The Hammurabi Code (circa 1754 BC) is one of the earliest known legal
codes that acknowledged the rights of victims by prescribing
restitution for harm caused.
• However, early legal systems often focused on retribution and
punishment rather than addressing the needs and rights of victims.
2. 20th Century Developments:
• The early 20th century saw a shift towards recognizing the importance
of understanding and addressing the needs of crime victims.
• The emergence of the civil rights movement in the 1960s and 1970s
influenced the field by emphasizing the importance of individual rights
and equality.
• The 1960s also witnessed the establishment of victim compensation
programs, recognizing the financial burdens placed on victims.
3. Victim's Rights Movement:
• The 1970s and 1980s marked the emergence of the victim's rights
movement, spurred by high-profile cases and growing awareness of
the needs of crime victims.
• Advocacy groups like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and
Parents of Murdered Children played a crucial role in pushing for
legislative changes to protect and support victims.
• During this period, many countries introduced legal reforms to ensure
that victims were not merely witnesses but active participants in the
criminal justice process.
4. United Nations Declarations:
• In 1985, the United Nations adopted the Declaration of Basic Principles
of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power, which outlined the
rights of victims and called for greater attention to their needs.
