assignmnet 2

victimology

Victim vulnerability and trauma

nasiha mohamed | st10337535

Introduction
Victim vulnerability and trauma are emotional threads that connect and frequently
transform lives in the rich tapestry of human experiences (Peacock, 2019). Understanding
the mechanisms of victimisation and its aftermath is essential for developing empathy,
putting effective interventions into place, and creating policies that prioritise justice and
healing—from individual tragedies to systemic societal difficulties (Zimmerman, Farrell, and
Posick, 2017). This essay explores the definitions, underlying causes, manifestations, and
pathways towards resilience and recovery of victim vulnerability and trauma, delving into
their complex environments (Zimmerman, 2017). By illuminating these interrelated
occurrences, we hope to foster a more profound understanding of the human capacity for
resilience in the face of hardship and to promote all-encompassing strategies for helping
traumatised individuals (Zimmerman, 2017). Trauma can significantly alter a person's
mentality and ensuing behaviours. It is frequently typified by intensely upsetting events.
Recognising the various ways trauma manifests itself is essential to understanding it; they
might be acute experiences like natural catastrophes or chronic forms like abuse or neglect
(Zimmerman, 2017). In addition to causing psychological damage, trauma modifies neural
circuits that impact emotion control, cognitive function, and interpersonal interactions
(Zimmerman, 2017). Traumatised individuals might react in a variety of ways, such as
hypervigilance, avoidance, and reliving terrible memories (Peacock, 2019). Trauma can also
make people more prone to high-risk behaviours as a coping strategy to soothe their
emotional suffering or recover control (Zimmerman, 2017). Among trauma survivors,
substance misuse, self-harm, and risky sexual behaviour are frequently noted as maladaptive
coping mechanisms. Furthermore, trauma can appear as a variety of mental health
conditions, including anxiety, sadness, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), making it
more difficult for a person to go about their everyday life. Understanding the complex
interactions that occur between trauma and future behaviour highlights the significance of
trauma-informed care and interventions that target the underlying causes of suffering while
fostering healing and resilience (Zimmerman, 2017).

Understanding of trauma and how it influences future behaviour.

Trauma can significantly alter a person's mentality and ensuing behaviours. It is frequently
typified by intensely upsetting events (Deles and Sarp, 2021). Recognising the various ways
trauma manifests itself is essential to understanding it; they might be acute experiences like
natural catastrophes or chronic forms like abuse or neglect (Deles and Sarp, 2021). In
addition to causing psychological damage, trauma modifies neural circuits that impact
emotion control, cognitive function, and interpersonal interactions (Deles and Sarp, 2021).
Traumatised individuals might react in a variety of ways, such as hypervigilance, avoidance,
and reliving terrible memories (Deles and Sarp, 2021). Trauma can also make people more
prone to high-risk behaviours as a coping strategy to soothe their emotional suffering or
recover control (Deles and Sarp, 2021). Among trauma survivors, substance misuse, self-
harm, and risky sexual behaviour are frequently noted as maladaptive coping mechanisms
(Deles and Sarp, 2021). Furthermore, trauma can appear as a variety of mental health
conditions, including anxiety, sadness, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), making it
more difficult for a person to go about their everyday life (Deles and Sarp, 2021).
Understanding the complex interactions that occur between trauma and future behaviour
highlights the significance of trauma-informed care and interventions that target the
underlying causes of suffering while fostering healing and resilience (Deles and Sarp, 2021).
Understanding the correlation between trauma and vulnerability as well as offender victim
relationship.
The psychological effects of traumatic events, which can leave people feeling emotionally
and mentally vulnerable, are frequently the cause of the association between trauma and
vulnerability (Kushner, 2022). A person's sense of safety, trust, and control can be upset by
trauma, which increases their vulnerability to additional victimisation or to using risky
behaviours as a coping strategy (Kushner, 2022). People who have suffered trauma may be
more likely to become offenders or victims in the setting of the offender-victim relationship
(Kushner, 2022). For instance, individuals who have experienced maltreatment as children
may turn to aggressive or drug-abusing behaviours as maladaptive coping strategies, which
raises the likelihood that they will commit crimes (Kushner, 2022). Similar to this, people
with a history of trauma might be easier targets for criminals because of their perceived
susceptibility and lack of defences (Kushner, 2022). Attachment theory is one psychological
theory that helps explain how early life trauma events might affect an individual's
interpersonal interactions and susceptibility to victimisation (Kushner, 2022). For example,
people with insecure attachment styles—which are frequently the consequence of trauma
experienced as children—may find it difficult to establish appropriate boundaries and create
healthy relationships, which leaves them more vulnerable to abuse by criminals (Kushner,
2022). Furthermore, studies on the neurobiology of trauma indicate that stress response
systems can become dysregulated after experiencing trauma, increasing arousal and
hypervigilance (Kushner, 2022). This might make a person more vulnerable to victimisation
and encourage the emergence of criminal behaviours (Kushner, 2022). The violent cycle that
is frequently seen in households where there has been intergenerational trauma serves as
an illustration of this association (Kushner, 2022). Growing up in a home where violence is
accepted increases a child's likelihood of becoming a victim or an aggressor themselves,
which feeds the cycle of trauma and vulnerability (Kushner, 2022). In summary, a variety of
psychological theories and empirical data illustrate the intricate interactions between social,
biological, and individual experiences, and explain the relationship between trauma and
vulnerability as well as the offender-victim dynamic (Kushner, 2022).

Critical and analytical discussion

When analysing the relationship between trauma and vulnerability in offender-victim
interactions, it is important to approach the subject critically and analytically, taking into
account a range of viewpoints and supporting data (Kilian, Burns, Seedat, Asmal, Chiliza, Du
Plessis, Olivier, Kidd and Emsley, 2017). The psychological effect of trauma on a person's
susceptibility to victimisation is one point of view to take into account (Kilian et al., 2017).
According to research, traumatic events like sexual assault or abuse as a child can have a
lasting impact on a person's mental health, sense of self, and capacity for trust (Kilian et al.,
2017). Due to their perceived ease of target by perpetrators, people may be more likely to
experience additional abuse or exploitation as a result of their increased vulnerability (Kilian
et al., 2017). It is imperative to consider the impact of personal resilience and protective
variables in reducing susceptibility, though (Kilian et al., 2017). Even though trauma can
make people more vulnerable to victimisation, not everyone who experiences trauma ends
up as a victim (Kilian et al., 2017). Social support systems, coping mechanisms, and resource
accessibility are examples of factors that might lessen susceptibility and function as a buffer
against the harmful impacts of trauma (Kilian et al., 2017). Moreover, there are several
facets to the connection between trauma and deviant behaviour (Kilian et al., 2017). Some
people may use crime as a maladaptive coping strategy after experiencing trauma, but
others may wind up as victims because they feel weak (Kilian et al., 2017). According to
research, people with a history of trauma may be more prone to take risks or struggle to
build good relationships, which might raise their risk of being victims as well as of
committing crimes (Kilian et al., 2017). Systemic variables that contribute to the persistence
of trauma and vulnerability must also be taken into account (Kilian et al., 2017). For instance,
trauma from exposure to violence, prejudice, and poverty may be more common among
marginalised communities, which increases their susceptibility to victimisation and criminal
behaviour (Kilian et al., 2017). Disparities in the availability of mental health services and
support networks can also exacerbate the consequences of trauma and prolong
victimisation and criminality cycles (Kilian et al., 2017). It is evident from evaluating the
arguments and data supporting and refuting the link between trauma and vulnerability in
offender-victim interactions that the problem is multifaceted and impacted by a range of
structural, interpersonal, and individual factors (Kilian et al., 2017). Even while trauma can
make people more prone to victimisation and crime, it's critical to acknowledge people's
resiliency and the significance of addressing underlying social variables in order to stop
additional harm (Kilian et al., 2017).

Conclusion
In conclusion, the correlation between trauma and vulnerability within the context of
offender-victim relationships is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires careful
consideration from various angles. While trauma can significantly impact individuals'
susceptibility to victimization and involvement in offending behaviours, it's essential to
recognize the role of individual resilience and protective factors in mitigating vulnerability.
Moreover, systemic factors such as social disparities and access to resources play a critical
role in perpetuating cycles of trauma and victimization. Addressing these underlying
determinants is crucial for effectively preventing further harm and promoting the well-being
of individuals affected by trauma. By adopting a comprehensive and holistic approach that
considers both individual experiences and broader social contexts, we can better understand
and address the complex interplay between trauma, vulnerability, and offender-victim
relationships.
Reference list

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psychological wellbeing and altruistic fear of crime of mothers with children aged three to
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Kushner, M. 2022. Betrayal trauma and gender: an explanation of the victim-offender

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Kilian, S., Burns, J. K., Seedat, S., Asmal, L., Chiliza, B., Du Plessis, S., Olivier, M. R., Kidd, M.
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Peacock, R. (Ed.). 2019. Victimology in South Africa: an introduction (3rd Ed.). Van schaik.

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