Part 2:

Assignment: "The Gray Area Between Victim and Offender"

After completion of Chapter 1, in essay form, discuss and explain what is meant by the expression "the gray area between victim and offender."

Within the essay, be sure to do the following:

1. Explain the following terms: Victim, Victimism, Victimology, Victimologist, Primary Victim and Secondary Victim (this should be in essay form - do not give me a list of definitions).
2. Think about those who are offenders in one instance, but then become victims. Is that possible? Give a movie example and/or real life example of where this happens. A movie example is "Crash" - at one point everyone is a victim and most are offenders at one point as well. Another movie is "American History X" - the offenders are often confused with the victims (the gang members become victims of violence themselves). A real life example is the Gary Plauche case from the powerpoint). Sometimes it is difficult to determine just who the offender is and who the victim is and I would like you to explain why this is so.
3. Discuss the need and importance ofobjectivity. Why is it important for a Victimologist (and criminal justice professionals) to remain objective? How should Victimologists react to these victims (those who were once the offender and/or criminal)? Should they be treated differently? Why or why not.