The Rise of Victim’s Rights
● Victims of crime received very little legal rights and were often ignored beyond their
testimony in court
● In late 1970s and 80s, the Victims’ Rights Movement would change
Victim’s Rights
● Movement saw the emergence of victimology, the study of the process and
consequences of victimization experiences and recovery
● increased availability to services for crime victims
● Expanded opportunity for victims to participate in trials
● Heightened focus on research into fictions brought by new journals and organizations
Perception of “Victims”
● People have different reactions towards victims of crimes. Although most feel sympathy,
many question why they became victims in the first place. Why?
● Belief in a Just World
● Attribution Theory
Victim Blaming
● Phrase popularized in 1970 when author Wiliam Ryan observed people’s perceptions of
those on welfare
● OJ Simpson Civil Suit Example
● Matthew Shepard Example
● Economic Recession of 2008 Example
● Victims of crime received very little legal rights and were often ignored beyond their
testimony in court
● In late 1970s and 80s, the Victims’ Rights Movement would change
Victim’s Rights
● Movement saw the emergence of victimology, the study of the process and
consequences of victimization experiences and recovery
● increased availability to services for crime victims
● Expanded opportunity for victims to participate in trials
● Heightened focus on research into fictions brought by new journals and organizations
Perception of “Victims”
● People have different reactions towards victims of crimes. Although most feel sympathy,
many question why they became victims in the first place. Why?
● Belief in a Just World
● Attribution Theory
Victim Blaming
● Phrase popularized in 1970 when author Wiliam Ryan observed people’s perceptions of
those on welfare
● OJ Simpson Civil Suit Example
● Matthew Shepard Example
● Economic Recession of 2008 Example
