The history of victimology spans centuries, providing a comprehensive understanding of how societies have recognized, studied, and responded to victims of crimes and injustices. The field, which became a formal discipline in the mid-20th century, has evolved significantly over time, shaping our perceptions of victims and influencing criminal justice policies.Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”? Get the original essay Victimology, as a distinct academic discipline, rose to prominence during the 1940s and 1950s. Before that, criminology focused primarily on offenders and the criminal justice system. However, academics and practitioners have begun to recognize the importance of understanding the experiences and needs of victims themselves. This marked a paradigm shift, giving rise to a new emphasis on victims' rights, their experiences and the social impact of victimization. The beginnings of victimology date back to the work of pioneers like Benjamin Mendelsohn and Hans von Hentig. Mendelsohn's work, in particular, laid the foundation for victim-centered research. He introduced the concept of "victim proneness", suggesting that certain people might have characteristics that make them more likely to become victims of crime. Although this notion has been criticized for its victim-blaming tendencies, it has paved the way for more nuanced explorations of victim-offender relationships. During the second half of the 20th century, victimology continued to evolve with a greater emphasis on empirical research. The development of victimization surveys has allowed researchers to collect data directly from victims, shedding light on the dark sides of crime that often go unreported. This approach has not only expanded our knowledge about the prevalence and nature of victimization, but also highlighted disparities in victimization experiences based on factors such as gender, race, and socioeconomic status. The emergence of victim impact statements in legal proceedings has further highlighted the importance of victimology. . These statements allowed victims to express the emotional, financial and physical consequences of the crime on their lives. Incorporating victims' voices into the criminal justice process has challenged the traditional adversarial system, prompting a more holistic understanding of the consequences of crime. Over the past several decades, the history of victimology has witnessed a growing recognition of the importance of trauma-informed approaches. Mental health professionals and victim advocates have highlighted the long-term psychological effects of victimization, advocating for support systems that prioritize healing and resilience. This shift has led to the creation of victim support services, crisis intervention programs, and trauma-focused therapies, creating a more empathetic and comprehensive response to victims' needs. Furthermore, victimology has taken on an increasingly global scope. Victim experiences vary across cultures and societies, and understanding these nuances is crucial to developing effective interventions. Comparative victimology, a subfield that explores cross-cultural differences in victimization and responses, has contributed to a more complete understanding of the universal and culture-specific aspects of victimization...