5 Victims, Harm, and Support Free Online FlashCards

What is victimization?

Victimization is the experience of harm caused by crime.

What are four broad types of harm caused by crime?

Crime-related harm can be physical, psychological, economic, or social.

How can victim advocates and community organizations help?

Victim advocates and community organizations can offer crisis support, safety planning, information, referrals, and help navigating services and justice proceedings.

What makes support victim-centered?

Victim-centered practice listens to a person’s priorities and supports informed choices instead of assuming everyone has the same needs.

Why might someone use the term “survivor”?

“Survivor” can emphasize a person’s agency and ongoing recovery, but people differ in which term they prefer. Follow the individual’s lead.

What do patterns in victimization risk indicate—and what do they not imply?

Exposure and risk can reflect social conditions and access to resources. These patterns can guide prevention and support, but never make victims responsible for crimes committed against them.

How does the National Crime Victimization Survey differ from police records?

Police records omit crimes that are not reported. The National Crime Victimization Survey asks about both reported and unreported incidents.

What can a person’s visible response tell you about the harm they experienced?

Responses vary: someone may recover quickly, face lasting effects, or move between both. Visible distress—or its absence—does not prove whether harm occurred.

What is secondary harm?

Secondary harm occurs when institutions or other people blame, dismiss, expose, or needlessly distress a victim in their response.

Name rights provided by the federal Crime Victims’ Rights Act.

In federal criminal cases, the Crime Victims’ Rights Act includes reasonable protection, timely notice of proceedings, an opportunity to be heard at certain proceedings, and fair treatment with respect for dignity and privacy.

How does victim compensation differ from restitution?

Compensation programs may reimburse eligible crime-related expenses; restitution is an amount a court may order an offender to pay.

What choices may a victim make about reporting and support?

A person may report a crime, use services without reporting, participate in a case, or decline particular assistance. Options and legal entitlements vary.