victimes

Victims are individuals who suffer harm as a result of crime, accident, or other wrongdoing. The term encompasses physical injury, psychological trauma, financial loss, or moral harm. In French, the plural is victimes and the singular is victime; in many legal and social contexts the term is used to identify those who may be entitled to remedies, protections, or services.

Victims can be categorized as crime victims (such as those harmed by assault or burglary), disaster victims, victims of abuse, or victims of conflict or displacement. Some people experience multiple harms and may move through different victimization experiences over time.

Rights and protections: In many jurisdictions, victims have rights to information about proceedings, to participate in or attend hearings, to safety through protective orders, and to restitution or compensation. International instruments recognize the dignity of victims and support their access to processes and services. The concept of victim impact statements allows victims to convey the harm suffered during criminal proceedings.

Support and services: Police, social services, hospitals, and non-governmental organizations run crisis lines, shelters, counseling, forensic and legal aid, and victim advocacy programs. Timely, trauma-informed care and careful handling of evidence are important to avoid retraumatization.

Victimology and practice: Victimology is the academic study of victimization, its causes, impacts, and responses. It informs policy, prevention, and practice, including crime prevention, justice system reforms, and restorative or restitution-based approaches. Understanding the experiences of victims helps societies improve protection, access to justice, and healing.