Does Society Nurture a Sense of Victimhood? Bulgarian and Albanian Discourse

Abstract

With the rise of the crime rate, the number of direct victims increases, in parallel with the secondary victims. This article explores the state-of-art of victimisation and victim-related policies and practices in Bulgaria and Albania. The role of state agencies, non-governmental organisations, media and civil society in preventing and respond-ing to victimisation is under scrutiny. The focus is on the victim's culture, mentality and sense of victimhood. Based on the findings of empirical studies launched in both countries, recommendations for improving the victimogenic status quo are developed.