Victimology: positivist, radical, and critical approaches
Victimology (study of crime victims) has three approaches: positivist (victim characteristics increasing risk), radical (victims of both crime and criminal justice system), critical (examining victim construction).
Real World
After the 2021 Sarah Everard murder, campaigners argued women were being victimised twice — first by the crime, then by police advice to 'stay home at night' — illustrating radical victimology's critique of institutional re-victimisation.
Exam Focus
When 'assess' or 'evaluate' appears, contrast all three approaches and conclude which offers the most complete account of victims.
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