SCHOOL OF SOCIOL SCIENCES
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN SECURITY STUDIES AND CRIMINOLOGY
UNIT; VICTIMOLOGY
EXAM REVISION QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Question 1a
Propose mechanisms Kenya can implement to address victimization (10 marks)
Victimization affects many aspects of Kenyan society, necessitating strong measures. Key
mechanisms include:
- Strengthening legal frameworks: Enact and enforce comprehensive laws against victimization,
discrimination, and retaliation (Kenya Law Reports, 2010).
- Establishing independent reporting bodies: Safe platforms for victims to report without fear
(Ngugi, 2021).
- Public awareness campaigns: Educate the public about victims' rights and prevention methods
(Mwangi, 2019).
- Whistleblower protections: Shield whistleblowers from retaliation (Office of the Auditor General,
2023).
- Victim support services: Provide counseling, legal aid, and rehabilitation (Amnesty International,
2020).
- Training authorities: Equip police and judiciary to handle victimization sensitively (Kenya Police
Service, 2022).
These mechanisms promote victim protection and social justice.
References:
• Kenya Law Reports (2010). The Constitution of Kenya 2010. Nairobi: Government Printer.
• Ngugi, J. (2021). ‘Victim Support Mechanisms in Kenya’, Journal of Kenyan Legal Studies, 15(2),
pp. 112–130.
• Mwangi, P. (2019). ‘Public Awareness and Crime Prevention’, African Journal of Social Studies,
12(1), pp. 45–60.
• Office of the Auditor General (2023). Annual Report. Nairobi: Government of Kenya.
, • Amnesty International (2020). Victims’ Rights in East Africa. London: Amnesty International.
• Kenya Police Service (2022). Training Manual for Handling Victim Cases. Nairobi: KPS.
Question 1b
Discuss the different types of victims according to Mendelsohn (10 marks)
Mendelsohn categorizes victims based on their degree of responsibility in crimes:
1. Completely Innocent: No fault (Mendelsohn, 1963).
2. Victim with Minor Guilt: Minor contribution (Mendelsohn, 1963).
3. Voluntary Victim: Shares blame equally (Mendelsohn, 1963).
4. Victim More Guilty: Provokes the crime (Mendelsohn, 1963).
5. Most Guilty Victim: Turns offender (Mendelsohn, 1963).
6. Imaginary Victim: Falsely claims victimhood (Mendelsohn, 1963).
This typology helps in understanding victim responsibility in legal contexts.
References:
• Mendelsohn, B. (1963). The Victim Problem. New York: Thomas.
Question 2
With regards to victimization, identify shared characteristics of victims and perpetrators (20
marks)
Victims and perpetrators of crime often share several characteristics:
- Age: Typically youths and young adults (15–25 years).
- Socioeconomic Status: Commonly from disadvantaged backgrounds marked by poverty and
unemployment.
- Education Level: Low educational attainment reduces awareness and opportunities.
- History of Trauma: Many perpetrators were previous victims of abuse, perpetuating a cycle.
- Substance Abuse: Drugs and alcohol impair judgment and increase risk.
- Behavioral Traits: Impulsivity, aggression, and risk-taking behavior are common.
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN SECURITY STUDIES AND CRIMINOLOGY
UNIT; VICTIMOLOGY
EXAM REVISION QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Question 1a
Propose mechanisms Kenya can implement to address victimization (10 marks)
Victimization affects many aspects of Kenyan society, necessitating strong measures. Key
mechanisms include:
- Strengthening legal frameworks: Enact and enforce comprehensive laws against victimization,
discrimination, and retaliation (Kenya Law Reports, 2010).
- Establishing independent reporting bodies: Safe platforms for victims to report without fear
(Ngugi, 2021).
- Public awareness campaigns: Educate the public about victims' rights and prevention methods
(Mwangi, 2019).
- Whistleblower protections: Shield whistleblowers from retaliation (Office of the Auditor General,
2023).
- Victim support services: Provide counseling, legal aid, and rehabilitation (Amnesty International,
2020).
- Training authorities: Equip police and judiciary to handle victimization sensitively (Kenya Police
Service, 2022).
These mechanisms promote victim protection and social justice.
References:
• Kenya Law Reports (2010). The Constitution of Kenya 2010. Nairobi: Government Printer.
• Ngugi, J. (2021). ‘Victim Support Mechanisms in Kenya’, Journal of Kenyan Legal Studies, 15(2),
pp. 112–130.
• Mwangi, P. (2019). ‘Public Awareness and Crime Prevention’, African Journal of Social Studies,
12(1), pp. 45–60.
• Office of the Auditor General (2023). Annual Report. Nairobi: Government of Kenya.
, • Amnesty International (2020). Victims’ Rights in East Africa. London: Amnesty International.
• Kenya Police Service (2022). Training Manual for Handling Victim Cases. Nairobi: KPS.
Question 1b
Discuss the different types of victims according to Mendelsohn (10 marks)
Mendelsohn categorizes victims based on their degree of responsibility in crimes:
1. Completely Innocent: No fault (Mendelsohn, 1963).
2. Victim with Minor Guilt: Minor contribution (Mendelsohn, 1963).
3. Voluntary Victim: Shares blame equally (Mendelsohn, 1963).
4. Victim More Guilty: Provokes the crime (Mendelsohn, 1963).
5. Most Guilty Victim: Turns offender (Mendelsohn, 1963).
6. Imaginary Victim: Falsely claims victimhood (Mendelsohn, 1963).
This typology helps in understanding victim responsibility in legal contexts.
References:
• Mendelsohn, B. (1963). The Victim Problem. New York: Thomas.
Question 2
With regards to victimization, identify shared characteristics of victims and perpetrators (20
marks)
Victims and perpetrators of crime often share several characteristics:
- Age: Typically youths and young adults (15–25 years).
- Socioeconomic Status: Commonly from disadvantaged backgrounds marked by poverty and
unemployment.
- Education Level: Low educational attainment reduces awareness and opportunities.
- History of Trauma: Many perpetrators were previous victims of abuse, perpetuating a cycle.
- Substance Abuse: Drugs and alcohol impair judgment and increase risk.
- Behavioral Traits: Impulsivity, aggression, and risk-taking behavior are common.
