Rachel Cowart Victimology is the study of how a certain person became a victim of a particular crime. Victimology studies the relationship between the victim and the offender; did they know each other? Were they complete strangers? Was the offender a friend or family member? All these questions are answered through the study of victimology. Some individuals are prone to become victims just as some are prone to become criminals. There are ways to protect yourself and your family from becoming victims of a crime. Some of the ways to prevent yourself from being victimized are:
• Protect your vulnerability
• Be careful about the company you keep
• Do not allow strangers to enter your home
• Spend some extra money on security
• Lock up your valuables
These are just a few of the things an individual can do to protect themselves from becoming victims of crimes. They may seem easy, yet not everyone takes advantage of the precautions. To protect your vulnerability basically means to not let your guard down in front of too many people that you do not know on a personal level. Do not allow yourself to become involved in anything where anyone may have the chance to blackmail you. Live your life in reproach and protect your reputation. Protecting your vulnerability ties in with being careful about the company you keep. One is judged by their acquaintances; like the saying goes, ‘you are only as good as the company you keep’. Keep a small group of friends instead of letting yourself become impersonally involved with large groups of individuals. Furthermore, do not let strangers enter your home. Sometimes when an individual’s car breaks down they may need to use the phone, well if this ever happens to you, ask them what number they want to dial and you dial it for them. More than that, you could even tell them through the door that you will call a tow. Never allow someone to enter your home that you do
References: Michael, A. (2010) How to Prevent Becoming a Victim of Crime. Retrieved May 4, 2011 from http://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Becoming-a-Victim-of-Crime. Victimology, (n.d.). http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1246187/victimology. Retrieved May 4, 2011 from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1246187/victimology.