victimology

10 8.2

The study of people who are hurt, especially by crime or accidents

noun
/ˌvɪk.tɪˈmɒl.ə.dʒi/

Specialized

: victimología

The field of victimology focuses on understanding the experiences and needs of individuals affected by crime.

Examples

With her stream of narratives about broken relationships, land loss, and both oppression and internalized oppression, it would be easy to argue that Isabel falls into the rut of victimology rather than empowerment.

Academic text (2016)
Her research interests are in GIS, race, criminal behavior, and victimology.

Academic text (2018)
Miami P.D. is asking for our help considering there are currently four other men missing that match this victimology.

Midnight Show (2016)
It is not a matter of comparative victimology, but one of collective survival.

Academic text (2000)
In her thesis, she explored various factors that influence victimology and the support available for victims.
Many social workers specialize in victimology to better assist those who have suffered from traumatic events.

Surface Forms

victimology singular

victimologies plural

Morphology

victimology = victim (transparent) = victim + ology

The word is a straightforward formation meaning the study of victims, with the base noun and the scholarly suffix contributing their usual meanings.

Etymology

Victimology joins victim ('a person who is harmed') and the ending -ology ('study of'), the same -ology you see in biology. Originally victim also meant a sacrificial animal, which gives the idea of someone who suffers, so victimology is the study of people who have been harmed.