CMY3705
Assignment 1
Semester 2
Unique No: 763266
DUE 12 September 2025
,CMY3705 – Victimology
Assignment: Critical Discussion on Victimology in South Africa
Student Name: [Your Name]
Student Number: [Your Number]
Semester: 2025
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Definition of Key Concepts
3. Victimological Theory
3.1 Historical Development of Victimology
3.2 Critical Victimology and South Africa
3.3 Theoretical Gaps Between Victimology and Practice
4. Policy Development in South Africa
4.1 The Service Charter for Victims of Crime
4.2 The Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998
4.3 The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 32
of 2007
4.4 The Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP)
4.5 Assessment of Policy Gaps
5. Practical Implementation in South Africa
5.1 Criminal Justice Responses and Secondary Victimisation
5.2 Inter-sectoral Collaboration and Service Delivery Challenges
5.3 Examples from Gender-Based Violence and Sexual Offences
5.4 Community-based and NGO Responses
5.5 International Comparisons and Best Practices
6. Critical Discussion: Bridging Theory, Policy, and Practice
6.1 Role of Research in Victim Services
, 6.2 Practitioner–Academic Collaboration
6.3 Future Directions for Victimology in South Africa
7. Conclusion
8. References
1. Introduction
Victimology has emerged as a critical area of criminology, dedicated to understanding
the lived experiences, needs, and rights of victims of crime. In South Africa, the
significance of victimology is amplified by persistently high rates of violent crime,
gender-based violence, and systemic inequality that perpetuate victimisation (Davis,
2019). Despite extensive academic engagement with victimological theory and
progressive policy development, implementation in practice remains a significant
challenge.
This essay critically examines the claim that victimology in South Africa has not
sufficiently transitioned from theory and policy to practice. It evaluates the interplay
between victimological theory, policy frameworks, and practical implementation, with a
focus on whether laws and policies such as the Service Charter for Victims of Crime, the
Domestic Violence Act, and the Victim Empowerment Programme have been effectively
realised. Specific attention is given to challenges of secondary victimisation, inadequate
resources, and fragmented service delivery. The analysis further highlights the role of
research and practitioner collaboration in shaping a victim-centred justice system.
2. Definition of Key Concepts
Victimology refers to the scientific study of victims, including their experiences, rights,
and interactions with offenders and the criminal justice system (Walklate, 2017). It
Assignment 1
Semester 2
Unique No: 763266
DUE 12 September 2025
,CMY3705 – Victimology
Assignment: Critical Discussion on Victimology in South Africa
Student Name: [Your Name]
Student Number: [Your Number]
Semester: 2025
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Definition of Key Concepts
3. Victimological Theory
3.1 Historical Development of Victimology
3.2 Critical Victimology and South Africa
3.3 Theoretical Gaps Between Victimology and Practice
4. Policy Development in South Africa
4.1 The Service Charter for Victims of Crime
4.2 The Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998
4.3 The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 32
of 2007
4.4 The Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP)
4.5 Assessment of Policy Gaps
5. Practical Implementation in South Africa
5.1 Criminal Justice Responses and Secondary Victimisation
5.2 Inter-sectoral Collaboration and Service Delivery Challenges
5.3 Examples from Gender-Based Violence and Sexual Offences
5.4 Community-based and NGO Responses
5.5 International Comparisons and Best Practices
6. Critical Discussion: Bridging Theory, Policy, and Practice
6.1 Role of Research in Victim Services
, 6.2 Practitioner–Academic Collaboration
6.3 Future Directions for Victimology in South Africa
7. Conclusion
8. References
1. Introduction
Victimology has emerged as a critical area of criminology, dedicated to understanding
the lived experiences, needs, and rights of victims of crime. In South Africa, the
significance of victimology is amplified by persistently high rates of violent crime,
gender-based violence, and systemic inequality that perpetuate victimisation (Davis,
2019). Despite extensive academic engagement with victimological theory and
progressive policy development, implementation in practice remains a significant
challenge.
This essay critically examines the claim that victimology in South Africa has not
sufficiently transitioned from theory and policy to practice. It evaluates the interplay
between victimological theory, policy frameworks, and practical implementation, with a
focus on whether laws and policies such as the Service Charter for Victims of Crime, the
Domestic Violence Act, and the Victim Empowerment Programme have been effectively
realised. Specific attention is given to challenges of secondary victimisation, inadequate
resources, and fragmented service delivery. The analysis further highlights the role of
research and practitioner collaboration in shaping a victim-centred justice system.
2. Definition of Key Concepts
Victimology refers to the scientific study of victims, including their experiences, rights,
and interactions with offenders and the criminal justice system (Walklate, 2017). It
