Introduction
When we think about crime, our attention often goes to the criminal—who they are, why they did it, and what punishment they deserve. But every crime also has another side: the person who suffers because of it. This person, the victim, faces emotional pain, physical injury, and sometimes lifelong trauma. Yet for decades, the justice system focused mainly on punishing offenders, leaving the victim’s voice unheard. That’s, where victimology comes in. It’s a field that puts the victim at the heart of justice. It studies what victims go through, how they interact with offenders, and how society and the legal system can help them heal. In India, victimology has gained importance as laws and reforms move toward restorative justice—a model that aims to repair harm, restore balance, and bring healing rather than only punishment. This blog explores the concept of victimology, its theories, legal framework, and how India is using restorative justice to make its system more humane and victim-centered.
What Is Victimology and Why It Matters
Victimology is a branch of criminology that studies victims, their experiences, and their relationship with both offenders and the justice system. It was first introduced by Benjamin Mendelsohn, often called the “Father of Victimology.” He believed that justice should not only focus on punishing criminals but also on helping victims recover from harm. In traditional criminal justice systems, once a crime was reported, the victim’s role was limited to providing evidence or testifying in court. After that, they were often forgotten. But in reality, the impact of crime continues long after the case ends. Victims may struggle with fear, financial loss, or emotional trauma. Recognizing this, modern justice systems now emphasize rehabilitation, counselling, and compensation. In India, this shift has become more visible over the past few decades. Laws, compensation schemes, and legal aid mechanisms have been developed to make sure victims get support and recognition. Victimology reminds us that justice is not complete until the victim feels restored and respected.
Theories That Explain Victimization
To understand how victimization happens, several criminologists have proposed theories that examine the social, psychological, and environmental causes behind it. These theories help design better policies and safety measures.
1. Victim Precipitation Theory
Proposed by Marvin Wolfgang, this theory suggests that sometimes a victim’s behavior may unintentionally trigger or contribute to a criminal act. For example, during heated arguments, physical fights, or confrontations, both the offender and victim might play a role in escalating. However, it is important to note that this theory does not blame the victim—it only seeks to understand interactions that lead to crime so that future incidents can be prevented.
2. Lifestyle Theory
This theory explains that a person’s daily routine, social habits, and environment can influence their risk of becoming a victim. For example, someone who frequently travels alone at night or works in isolated areas may face more danger. The goal of this theory is to increase awareness and encourage safer behaviors.
3. Deviant Place Theory
According to this theory, the likelihood of becoming a victim increases when someone spends time in high-crime or unsafe areas, regardless of how careful they are. It emphasizes improving community safety, urban planning, and law enforcement presence in vulnerable locations.
4. Routine Activity Theory
This modern theory, developed by Cohen and Felson, explains that crime occurs when three conditions meet:
1. A motivated offender
2. A suitable target
3. Absence of a capable guardian
For instance, cybercrimes often happen when an offender finds an unprotected user online (the target) and there’s no proper digital security system (guardian). This theory is especially relevant in today’s digital world, where online safety is as important as physical security. Together, these theories help law enforcement and policymakers understand how crimes occur and what preventive steps can reduce victimization.
Legal Framework for Victim Compensation in India
The Indian legal system has evolved significantly to support victims. Earlier, the focus was on punishing the offender, but now it includes compensating and rehabilitating the victim as well. Several laws and authorities work together to ensure this.
1. Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973 — Sections 357 & 357A
These sections allow courts to order compensation to victims when the offender is convicted. Section 357A further requires every state government to establish a Victim Compensation Scheme (VCS), ensuring financial help even when the offender cannot pay.
2. National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and District Legal Services Authority (DLSA)
NALSA, at the national level, and DLSA, at the district level, work to provide free legal aid, help victims apply for compensation, and spread awareness about their rights. They ensure that justice is accessible to everyone, especially to women, children, and economically weaker sections.
3. Probation of Offenders Act, 1958
This Act allows courts to release offenders in minor cases on probation and make them pay compensation to victims instead of going to jail. It promotes both accountability and reformation, aligning with the idea of restorative justice.
4. Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
This law ensures compensation for victims of road accidents through Motor Accident Claims Tribunals (MACTs). It is one of the earliest examples of victim compensation in India.
5. Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023)
The new BNSS, which replaces the old CrPC, brings a stronger focus on victim participation and faster relief. It emphasizes time-bound compensation and greater involvement of victims during trial proceedings.
Support Systems and Rehabilitation for Victims
Justice is not just about money—it’s also about emotional recovery and rebuilding lives. India has launched many programs and initiatives to support victims after the crime.
1. Central Victim Compensation Fund (CVCF)
Managed by NALSA, this fund provides financial support to state governments so that victims across India receive adequate compensation. It helps standardize relief amounts and ensures no victim is left behind due to lack of state funds.
2. One Stop Centres (Sakhi Centres)
These centres provide immediate help to women facing violence. They offer medical care, police assistance, counselling, temporary shelter, and legal aid—all under one roof. This makes it easier for victims to get holistic support without running from one office to another.
3. Ujjawala and Swadhar Schemes
These government programs focus on rescuing, rehabilitating, and reintegrating women victims of human trafficking or abandonment. They also work on prevention through awareness campaigns and community outreach.
4. Technology-Based Victim Support
Technology is changing how victims can seek help. I leiplines, online complaint systems, and mobile applications make reporting easier.
For example:
- “112 India” app provides emergency police, fire, and ambulance services with a single tap.
- AI-based chatbots assist victims in filing online complaints and connecting with authorities.
- Digital portals under NALSA and DLSA help victims track their compensation status.
Case Example: Laxmi v. Union of India (2014)
In this landmark case, the Supreme Court directed all states to provide a minimum of Z3 lakh compensation to acid attack survivors and ensure free medical treatment. This judgment became a turning point in India’s victim rights movement and highlighted the need for both financial and emotional rehabilitation.
Technology and Ethics in Victim Support
With the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data-driven tools, justice delivery has become
faster and more efficient. Al can help:
- Predict high-risk crime zones
- Analyze patterns of victimization
- Provide online counselling or legal information
However, these tools come with serious ethical concerns. Victims share sensitive personal data, and if not protected properly, it can be misused or leaked. Therefore, privacy, consent, and data security must be top priorities. Moreover, while Al can guide and assist, it cannot replace human empathy. Victims of crimes like assault, harassment, or trafficking often need emotional understanding and compassion that only a trained human counsellor can provide. Thus, technology should be seen as a support system, not a substitute for human connection.
Restorative Justice: A New Way Forward
The traditional justice system is based on retribution—punishing the offender. Restorative justice, on the other hand, focuses on healing. It brings together the victim, offender, and community to repair harm, restore dignity, and rebuild trust.
In restorative justice:
- Victims share their pain and seek acknowledgment.
- Offenders take responsibility and work toward making amends.
- The community supports both in reintegration and recovery.
This process not only helps victims gain closure but also encourages offenders to understand the real impact of their actions. India has slowly started adopting this approach, especially in juvenile justice, mediation, and community policing initiatives. It helps move the system from a punishment-driven model to one that values empathy, dialogue, and restoration.
Analysis: From Blame to Healing
Victimology represents a shift in mindset—from blaming victims to understanding their needs. It pushes society to view justice as a process of healing, not revenge.
Victims often face secondary victimization when they are ignored, disbelieved, or mistreated by society or even the justice system. Restorative justice and victim-centered approaches help address these issues by ensuring:
- Faster compensation and legal aid
- Counselling and emotional support
- Community awareness to reduce stigma
- Ethical use of technology
By focusing on healing, victimology helps create a justice system that serves not only law but also humanity.
Conclusion
Victimology in India reflects an evolving understanding of justice—one that goes beyond punishment to include restoration, empathy, and rehabilitation. Through legal reforms, compensation schemes, and new technologies, India is making progress in creating a more victim-friendly system. However, challenges remain: many victims still face delays, lack of awareness, or emotional neglect. The future of justice lies in balancing technology with compassion, law with humanity, and punishment with restoration. Restorative justice reminds us that every case number hides a human story—a story of pain, courage, and hope. Real justice is not just about punishing the wrongdoer; it’s about helping the wronged person heal, rebuild, and move forward with dignity.
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Written By: Akashdeep Kour, 5th B.A., LL.B , School of Law, Lovely Professional University
