Victimology Unveiled: Tracing the Roots and Realities of Harm

It was specifically used to describe the study of individuals harmed by criminals (Karmen, 2012).

In modern usage, the term victimology refers generally to the scientific study of victims and victimization, including the relationships between victims and offenders, investigators, courts, corrections, media, and social movements (Karmen, 2012).

Historically, the Latin term victima was used to describe animals or humans whose lives were destined to be sacrificed as an offering to a divinity. This was generally in relation to a religious ceremony, with females the preferred sacrifice for certain goddesses.