Assignment Details: You Graduated From The AIU Criminal Just

Assignment Detailsyou Graduated From The Aiu Criminal Justice Bachelor

Provide information from 8 of the following 12 areas of discussion in 3-5 pages: give a definition of victimology; the history and development of victimology; differences between victimology, criminology, sociology, or psychology; the establishment of the first safe houses for battered women—including location and timeline; the creation of the first rape crisis centers—including location and timeline; the contribution of the civil rights movement to anti-discrimination efforts, hate crime legislation, and policy; the role of children’s rights groups in highlighting issues faced by child victims; organizations advocating for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and homicide; services not provided by government crime compensation programs; the need for mandatory reporting by religious organizations regarding child abuse by clergy; how media can influence change in states lacking mandatory reporting laws; research clergy abuse in a specific state, including the history and organizations involved if mandatory reporting exists or alternative reporting processes if it does not.

Paper For Above instruction

Victimology is an interdisciplinary field that studies the psychological, social, and legal aspects of crime victims. It examines the causes and repercussions of victimization, aiming to improve victim support and develop preventative measures. The history of victimology dates back to the 1940s, with its formal recognition emerging in the 1960s when scholars like Benjamin Mendelsohn and Hans Von Hentig started exploring the victim’s role in crime causation and the impact of victimization (Schneider & Ingram, 2004). Over time, victimology expanded from a narrow focus on individual victims to include societal and systemic factors influencing victimization and victim recovery. Compared to criminology, which investigates crime causation and offender behavior, victimology concentrates on victims’ experiences, needs, and rights. Sociology provides a broader understanding of social structures and their influence on crime and victimization, while psychology delves into individual behavioral and emotional responses to victimization.

The first safe houses for battered women were established in the early 1970s. Notably, in 1974, the Safe House in Brooklyn, New York, was founded as one of the pioneering shelters for women experiencing domestic violence. These safe houses offered refuge, advocacy, and support services, aiming to protect women from further violence and facilitate their independence (Walker, 2006). The first rape crisis centers emerged around the same time, with the Boston Rape Crisis Center established in 1972. Such centers provided crisis intervention, counseling, and medical advocacy for victims of sexual assault, raising awareness and fostering a supportive environment for survivors (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, 2020). The civil rights movement of the 1960s significantly contributed to efforts to combat discrimination, leading to the enactment of hate crime legislation that protected victims based on race, religion, ethnicity, and other protected classes. This movement heightened awareness of inequality and motivated legislative change aimed at safeguarding vulnerable groups (President's Commission on Civil Rights, 1968).

Children’s rights organizations have played a crucial role in highlighting the vulnerabilities and systemic issues faced by child victims, advocating for their protection and access to justice. Organizations such as the Children's Defense Fund and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children have contributed to policy development, awareness campaigns, and support services tailored to child victims. Some organizations provide direct advocacy for specific victim groups: the National Domestic Violence Hotline supports domestic violence victims; Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) offers services to sexual assault survivors; the Child Advocacy Centers assist victims of child abuse; and the Coalition Against Homicide advocates for families affected by murder.

Government crime compensation programs provide financial assistance to victims, covering medical expenses, counseling, and lost wages. However, they often exclude certain costs, such as legal fees or long-term therapy. Religious organizations, especially clergy, are often involved in child abuse scandals. Mandatory reporting laws require clergy to report suspected abuse, but the existence and enforcement of these laws vary by state. For example, in California, mandatory reporting laws for clergy abuse have been in place since 1984, involving organizations like the California Child Abuse Prevention Center and the Diocese’s designated authorities, who work to track and assist victims (California Department of Social Services, 2020). In states without mandatory reporting laws, victims and advocates rely on criminal complaints, civil lawsuits, or internal church disclosures, which may lack transparency and accountability (Finkelhor et al., 2014).

Media can be a powerful tool to advocate for legislative change by raising public awareness and mobilizing community support. Coverage of clergy abuse scandals can pressure lawmakers to enact mandatory reporting laws and strengthen protections for victims. For example, media investigations into clergy abuse in Pennsylvania led to significant legal reforms and the establishment of commissions to oversee victim support efforts. Conversely, where mandatory reporting does not exist, victims often resort to informal channels such as church authorities or law enforcement agencies, although these processes may lack standardization or oversight. Overall, comprehensive research and advocacy efforts are essential to closing gaps in reporting and protecting vulnerable populations from clergy-related abuse.

References

• California Department of Social Services. (2020). Mandated reporting of child abuse and neglect. https://mandatedreporterca.com
• Finkelhor, D., Turner, H., Shattuck, A., & Ormrod, R. (2014). Trends in exposures to potentially traumatic events among youth. Pediatrics, 134(Supplement 2), S157–S164.
• President's Commission on Civil Rights. (1968). Law Enforcement and the Integration of Society. U.S. Government Printing Office.
• Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network. (2020). History of Rape Crisis Centers. https://rainn.org
• Schneider, J., & Ingram, H. (2004). Victimology: An Introduction. Pearson Education.
• Walker, L. E. (2006). The Battered Woman Syndrome. Springer Publishing Company.