Risk Level
Definition
A three-band code (low, medium, high) describing how exposed the victim's routine made them to becoming a target. Based on lifestyle, occupation, location and accessibility, not on the victim's character.
- Bands
- Low, medium, high
- Based on
- Lifestyle, occupation, location, accessibility
- Excludes
- Judgement of the victim's character
Common questions
Why does victimology separate risk level from victim character?+
Framing risk level around lifestyle and circumstance rather than character keeps the assessment investigatively useful, since it addresses opportunity and exposure to an offender rather than making moral judgements about the victim.
How does victim risk level differ from offender risk level in profiling?+
Victim risk level helps investigators infer offender planning and victim selection method, while a separate offender risk level assessment looks at how much danger the offender accepted during the act itself, such as time and location of the crime.
Related terms
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- Victimology
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