Analysis

The concept of victimization refers to the experiences of individuals who have suffered violence, abuse, or harassment in various contexts, such as at home, school, work, or in public spaces. Victimization may be physical, emotional, sexual, or economic, and it can have serious consequences for victims’ mental and physical health.

Purpose

Research and assessment of victimization aim to understand the forms and effects of violence and abuse, to identify risk factors, and to support the development of prevention and support programs for victims.

Calibration Method

The assessment of victimization involves the use of questionnaires and measurement tools that examine individuals’ experiences based on the frequency and intensity of victimization events. Participants are asked to respond to a series of statements about their experiences using a 5-point Likert scale.

References

Finkelhor, D., Turner, H., Ormrod, R., & Hamby, S. L. (2010). Trends in childhood violence and abuse exposure: Evidence from 2 national surveys. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 164(3), 238–242.
Hamby, S., Finkelhor, D., Turner, H., & Ormrod, R. (2010). The overlap of witnessing partner violence with child maltreatment and other victimizations in a nationally representative survey of youth. Child Abuse & Neglect, 34(10), 734–741.
Koss, M. P., Gidycz, C. A., & Wisniewski, N. (1987). The Scope of Rape: Incidence and Prevalence of Sexual Aggression and Victimization in a National Sample of Higher Education Students. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 55(2), 162–170.