Criminal justice professionals, regardless of their specific role, always will come into contact with victims of the crime. This course provides an introductory review of criminal victimization through a summary of the current theory, research and trends within the context of specific types of victimization. This course will examine specific crimes types, impact of the crime on victims and society, role of victims in the framework of criminal justice system, specific legal remedies, and the victims' rights and services. This course includes an analysis of the characteristics of crime victims, victim reporting and nonreporting models, treatment of victims from different segments of the criminal justice system, victim assistance programs, and the issue of compensation and / or restitution for victims of the crime. Discussions of 21st century topics such as ethnic cleansing, massive trauma from criminal activity, and genocide also will be investigated.

Exposure to the various aspects of violence and victimization will offer students a working knowledge of the matters and actions related to this important aspect of modern times. At the conclusion of this course, the student should be familiar with the history, consequences, and the role of intervention and intermediation on violence and victimization.