Question 1

In order to protect the identity of victims, a trial judge may override the fundamental principle of justice that trials be public.

Accepted Answer

This is true. In some cases, such as those involving sexual assault or other sensitive crimes, a judge may issue a publication ban or close the court to the public in order to protect the identity of the victim. This is done to ensure that the victim is not re-victimized or subjected to further trauma. However, even in cases where a publication ban or closed court is ordered, the trial itself is still required to be fair and impartial, and the accused must still receive a fair trial.

Question 2

According to the most recent General Social Survey in Canada, the risk of victimization is greatest for those between the ages of 15-24, who are single, whose main activity is classified as "student," who occupy the lowest household income categories, who live in an urban setting, and who participate in evening activities outside the home more than 30 times per month, reflecting that youths partake in more than one activity per evening.

Accepted Answer

The statement accurately summarizes the findings of the most recent General Social Survey in Canada.

Question 3

The responsibility for requesting restitution lies solely with the victim.

Accepted Answer

Restitution is often determined by the court as part of the sentencing process for the convicted individual, not solely requested by the victim.

Question 4

A victim surcharge is a mandatory, judicial imposition of a monetary fine administered in addition to a criminal sentence and used to finance victim services.

Accepted Answer

The statement accurately describes what a victim surcharge is.

Question 5

Criminal victimization always results in the development of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.

Accepted Answer

Not all individuals who experience criminal victimization develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While it is common for victims of violent crimes to develop PTSD, other factors such as coping mechanisms, social support, and previous trauma history can play a role in the likelihood of developing PTSD.

Question 6

Police and prosecutors are not legally obligated to ensure that victims are notified or consulted regarding the particulars of their court cases and may violate a bill of rights with impunity.

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, it is true that police and prosecutors are not legally obligated to ensure that victims are notified or consulted regarding the particulars of their court cases. This can lead to victims feeling left out of the process and not fully informed about the status and outcome of their case. There have been efforts to pass laws that provide more rights and protections for victims, but there is still much work to be done in this area.

Question 7

Current services for victims include police-based, Crown/Court-based, corrections-based, and systems-based services.

Accepted Answer

The statement is true. Victims of crime may access a range of services provided by various agencies, including police, Crown prosecutors, court clerks, victim witness assistance programs, parole boards, and restorative justice programs.

Question 8

Victim impact statements are used prior to the sentencing of convicted criminal defendants.

Accepted Answer

Victim impact statements are indeed used prior to the sentencing of convicted criminal defendants. These statements are written or spoken by the victim or their family members, and describe the impact that the crime has had on them, both emotionally and financially. These statements are considered by the judge when determining the appropriate sentence for the defendant.

Question 9

A victim or the family of a victim is not automatically informed when a person convicted of a crime is granted a release from a correctional institution.

Accepted Answer

While many states have victim notification laws, there is no federal law requiring the notification of victims or their families when a convicted offender is released from prison. Notification policies and procedures vary by state and jurisdiction.

Question 10

Henry Ellenberger posits that life experiences can contribute to future victimization.

Accepted Answer

Henry Ellenberger, a Swiss-American psychiatrist, wrote extensively on the topic of victimization and proposed that experiences of victimization in the past can increase the likelihood of future victimization. This theory is known as the victim cycle theory.

Question 11

Manitoba was the first province to place principles from the United Nations' Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuses of Power into provincial law.

Accepted Answer

Manitoba passed the Victims Bill of Rights Act in 1985, which incorporated the principles of the United Nations' Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power into provincial law.

Question 12

The Canadian Statement of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime (2003) serves as a guideline for the development of policy and legislation for victims of crime at both the federal and provincial levels.

Accepted Answer

The statement of basic principles was developed as a guideline for policy and legislation related to victims of crime in Canada.

Question 13

Victimogenesis referes to the contribution to victimization made by the background of the victim.

Accepted Answer

Victimogenesis is the term used to describe the social and psychological factors that contribute to a person's vulnerability to victimization. This includes factors such as age, gender, socio-economic status, race, and past experiences of trauma or abuse. Therefore, the statement "Victimogenesis refers to the contribution to victimization made by the background of the victim" is true.

Question 14

Judges are not expected to consider victim impact statements before arriving at a sanction for the offender.

Accepted Answer

Judges are expected to consider victim impact statements before arriving at a sanction for the offender. Victim impact statements provide information about the harm caused to the victim, their family, and the community, and can inform the judge's decision about the appropriate sentence for the offender. In many jurisdictions, victim impact statements are required by law to be considered during the sentencing process.

Question 15

The recognition of the victim's involvement and the need for support throughout the court process has resulted in a number of provisions outlined in the Criminal Code of Canada with special attention to victims of violence.

Accepted Answer

The statement is true. The Criminal Code of Canada has provisions that recognize the needs of victims of violence and their involvement in the court process. These provisions aim to provide support and assistance to victims throughout the legal proceedings.

Question 16

Hans von Hentig is credited with coining the term "victimology."

Accepted Answer

Hans von Hentig is a pioneer in the field of victimology, but the term "victimology" was actually coined by Benjamin Mendelsohn.

Question 17

The Code of Hammurabi was an early set of laws established by the Babylonian King Hammurabi, who ruled the ancient city from 1792 to 1750 BC.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true.

Question 18

Every province in Canada has a criminal injuries compensation program.

Accepted Answer

Every province in Canada has a criminal injuries compensation program to provide financial assistance and support to victims of violent crimes. However, the eligibility criteria and maximum compensation amount may vary by province.

Question 19

Victim fine surcharges provide funds which supplement local victims' assistance programs.

Accepted Answer

Victim fine surcharges are fees imposed on offenders at the time of sentencing, and the funds collected are intended to supplement local victims' assistance programs.

Question 20

The term victimology refers to the study of victims and their contributory role, if any, in the criminal event.

Accepted Answer

Victimology is the scientific study of victims and their experiences, including their role in the criminal event, as well as the impact of the event on their lives. It aims to understand and identify patterns of victimization, and to develop strategies to prevent and respond to victimization.

Quiz 4: Victimology: The Study of the Victim