Victimology is the branch of criminology dealing with victim characteristics, victim data, and patterns of victimization. The study of victimology is useful to criminologists for a variety of reasons. Victimology can help show which populations are at greater risk for which crimes, thereby allowing more effective public policies and anti-crime initiatives. Likewise, knowing which populations are at greater risk for which crimes can help law enforcement prevent crimes. Victimology can also be used to point out potential flaws or loopholes in the criminal justice system, which may be harmful to victims or to justice in general. One of the most important functions of victimology is to allow for the development of victim assistance programs. Programs to help victims range from legal counsel and advocacy to ongoing support and psychological counsel, to community-wide safety measures. Victimology takes the focus off the criminal and even the crime. Doing so helps divert media...
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