Victimization means being the target of a crime. It doesn’t happen randomly. Some people are more likely to be victims than others. A small group of people often suffer a large share of crimes. Many crimes are repeat victimizations, meaning the same person is targeted more than once. Personal crimes (like assault) are more likely to be repeated than property crimes (like burglary).

Why Victimization Happens?

Victimization happens for various reasons. Crime and victimization follow patterns.
It’s not just about who the person is, but where they live, who they spend time with, and  what their daily routines are. Sometimes, people who commit crimes are also more likely to be victims. This is called the victim–offender overlap.

Some reasons are:

  • Risky lifestyles (spending time in unsafe places or with friends who break rules)
  • Low self-control (people who take risks are more likely to commit crimes and also be victims)
  • Strong emotions after being hurt (like anger or wanting revenge), which can push someone to become violent too.

These are some reasons why victimization happens.

 

Theories of Victimization

Answer: Theories of victimization try to explain why a person became a victim. They look at different factors like age, personal weaknesses, biological and social influences, and culture. The Goal is: Understand patterns and causes of victimization.

 

1. VICTIM PRECIPITATION THEORY

Victimology originated with the victim precipitation theory. This theory says that, sometimes the victim’s own actions or characteristics can play a role in the crime that harms them.

This can happen in two ways:

  • Victim Facilitation (unknowingly helps the offender)
  • Victim provocation (provokes the offender)

Based on this idea, different types of victims were described.

Criticism:

  • It may blame the victim.
  • it is a very controversial theory.

Relevant

  • Still relevant for understanding victim–offender dynamics.

 

2. Lifestyle and Exposure Theory

To explain victimization Hindelang, Gottfredson & Garofalo (1978) Developed Lifestyle and Exposure Theory. This theory mainly focused on the contribution of victim lifestyle to victimization. According to this theory, daily routines and lifestyles increase exposure to crime. It also tells that, Victim–offender contact is important for crime to occur.

It is also influenced by:

  • Age
  • Gender
  • Income

This first clear theory has strong research support for explaining different types of crimes.

 

3. Routine Activity Theory

Routine Activity Theory is inspired by lifestyle theory. This theory was proposed by Cohen & Felson (2010). According to this theory, there are 3 elements for crime:

  1. Motivated Offender
  2. Suitable Target
  3. Lack of Capable Guardian

According to routine activity theory, crime happens when there is an offender, a suitable target, and no guardian to stop it. This helps explain why crimes occur and how crime trends change over time. It explains how routine activities create opportunities for crime.

Practical use:  It is used in crime prevention strategies.

 

4. Deviant Place Theory

victimization happens when an individual is in a bad or risky environment and to avoid such places to avoid the victimization. Now, this theory is known as ecology theory. Some of Risk factors are:

  • Poverty
  • Poor neighbourhood conditions
  • High population density

It Suggests that, avoiding dangerous areas to prevent victimization.

 

5. Social Learning Theory

Social Learning Theory is one of the most important theories in criminology and victimology. It was developed mainly by Edwin Sutherland and later expanded by Ronald Akers. The theory explains that people learn both criminal and non-criminal behaviors in the same way—through interaction with others. In simple words, crime is not something people are born with, it is something they learn.

Akers and colleagues (1979) explained Social Learning Theory through four main ideas:

  1. Differential Association – People learn behaviors from those they spend time with.
    For example: we know that teenagers often copy the behavior of their peer groups. If a teenager spends time with friends who engage in risky activities, like drinking too much, staying out late, or joining violent groups, that teenager may also start to take part in these activities. By doing so, they increase their chances of being in dangerous situations where victimization is more likely. This is differential association—learning risky behaviors from peers.

  2. Definitions – This refers to the meanings people give to their actions. If someone grows up in an environment where violence is seen as normal or acceptable, they may start to believe that being violent or accepting violence is “just the way life is.” This belief system makes them less likely to avoid risky people or situations, which increases the chance of victimization. For example, in cases of domestic violence, victims sometimes stay with their abuser because they have learned definitions that justify or excuse violence in relationships.

  3. Differential Reinforcement – Behaviors are strengthened or weakened based on rewards or punishments. If risky behavior is rewarded (popularity, approval, excitement), you’re more likely to keep doing it. For example: a young man might get social approval from friends for going to unsafe places or acting aggressively. This positive reinforcement encourages him to continue risky behaviors. Unfortunately, by doing so, he also increases his chance of being harmed or becoming a victim of violence.

  4. Imitation – People copy the behavior of others, especially role models. For example, children who watch parents or friends use violence may copy it and, as a result, also face victimization.

 

RESEARCH FINDINGS: Research has shown that Social Learning Theory is one of the most studied theories in criminology. When applying this theory to victimization, researchers found that, People who learn and adopt risky or deviant behaviors are more likely to be harmed by crime.  Studies show that victims of stalking or domestic violence often come from environments where aggression was modeled or reinforced.  This means they may have learned to tolerate or even expect harmful behavior, making them more vulnerable. In psychology, it helps us understand how behavior patterns are passed down through families, peer groups, and even media, and why certain people are repeatedly victimized.

 

6. Control Balance Theory

Charles R. Tittle (1995) developed the control balance theory. According to this theory, Crime happens when there's a control imbalance between motivation towards deviance and constraints on deviance behaviour.

There are two types of control imbalances:

  1. Control Deficit: Less control over others. For example: A prisoner with little control over his life may attack weaker inmates or join gangs to feel powerful. This also makes him more likely to be victimized by stronger gangs.
  2. Control Surplus: Too much control over others. For example: A CEO with too much control may commit fraud or abuse employees. His power can also make him a target for revenge, leading to victimization. These Imbalances leads to deviant behavior and possible victimization.

 

7. General Theory of Crime

The general theory of crime was proposed by Gottfredson and Hirschi (1993).  According to crime happens because of poor self-control of individuals due to poor parenting.
Those who are having poor self-control shows:

  • Impulsiveness
  • Risk-taking
  • Poor social skills

this theory is used to explain both offending and victimization.