In Criminology, we usually focus on the offender: Why did he do it? How do we catch him? OVM3701 flips the script. It asks: Why her? Why now?
Victimology is not just the study of victims; it is the study of the dynamic relationship between the criminal, the victim, and the criminal justice system. Many students fail this module because they write emotional essays about how sad crime is. To get a distinction, you need to be objective. You need to apply theories of victimization to real-world scenarios.
This guide breaks down the core concepts you need to master.
1. Theories of Victimization (The “Why”)
You cannot pass this module without mastering these theories. The exam will give you a scenario (e.g., “A student walking home late at night is robbed”) and ask you to explain it using a specific theory.
Lifestyle Exposure Theory
This theory argues that your lifestyle determines your risk.
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The Concept: Demographic characteristics (age, gender, income) influence your daily activities (lifestyle). If your lifestyle brings you into contact with potential offenders, your risk increases.
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Example: A young man who goes to bars every Friday night has a higher “lifestyle exposure” to assault than a grandmother who stays home.
Routine Activities Theory (RAT)
This is the most common exam question. It states that crime happens when three things converge in time and space:
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A Motivated Offender: Someone willing to commit the crime.
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A Suitable Target: A person or object (e.g., an unlocked car).
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Absence of Capable Guardians: No police, no security cameras, no neighbors watching.
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Exam Tip: If you are asked to “prevent” crime using RAT, your answer must focus on increasing guardianship (e.g., adding lights) or removing the target.
2. Secondary Victimization (The “Double Blow”)
This is a critical concept in OVM3701.
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Primary Victimization: The crime itself (e.g., the assault).
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Secondary Victimization: The harm caused by the system—the police, the courts, or society—treating the victim badly after the crime.
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Examples to quote:
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Police officers being insensitive when taking a statement.
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Defense attorneys aggressive cross-examination in court.
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Society blaming the victim (“Why was she wearing that?”).
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3. The Victim Empowerment Program (VEP)
South Africa has a specific policy framework for victims. You need to know the National Crime Prevention Strategy (NCPS) which launched the VEP.
The Pillars of VEP
You don’t just need to know what it is; you need to know how it helps.
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Emotional Support: Trauma counseling and debriefing.
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Practical Support: Medical care (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis for rape victims), shelter, and legal advice.
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Restorative Justice: Focusing on repairing the harm rather than just punishing the offender. This often involves Victim-Offender Mediation (VOM).
Decksh’s Top 3 Tips for a Distinction
Tip 1: Application Over Definition
A distinction student doesn’t just define “Routine Activities Theory.” They apply it.
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Bad Answer: “Routine Activities Theory has three parts: offender, target, guardian.”
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Good Answer: “In this scenario, the student became a ‘Suitable Target’ because he was flashing an expensive phone. The dark alley provided an ‘Absence of Guardians,’ allowing the ‘Motivated Offender’ to strike.”
Tip 2: Know the Laws
You must be able to cite the specific acts that protect victims.
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Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998: Protection orders.
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Sexual Offences Act 32 of 2007: Broadened the definition of rape and improved victim care.
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The Service Charter for Victims of Crime: Know the rights listed here (Right to be treated with fairness, Right to information, Right to protection).
Tip 3: The “Cycle of Violence”
Understand that today’s victim can be tomorrow’s offender.
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This is especially true in domestic violence and child abuse cases. Understanding this cycle helps you answer questions about prevention rather than just reaction.
Conclusion
OVM3701 is about empathy mixed with science. You need to feel the victim’s pain to understand the impact, but you need the scientific theories to explain why it happened. If you can master Routine Activities Theory and explain how to prevent Secondary Victimization, you will pass this module with flying colors.
Good luck!