The preventive and remedial potential of studies regarding the victim- aggressor relationship

Abstract

This article is a pleading for the valorization of victimological studies, especially studies on the aggressor-victim relationship. Almost all research in this field has highlighted 2 diametrically opposed forms of behavioral deviance: the deviance of the aggressor, based on offensive behavior, and the deviance of the victim, based on receiving of the offence. Mendelsohn used an interesting notion, namely potential of victimal receptivity. As soon as this notion was introduced in the field of victimological science, the aggressor was no longer seen as the only key element in the causal system of the crime. The victim was viewed in this way as well. In the meantime there have been other disco-veries related to the behavioral mechanisms of the victim and the aggressor that are relevant for the elucidation of all the essential aspects of the criminal act which is also an act of victimization. Their preventive and reparative role has not been fully explored for this reason, we will argue the need to implement the results of scientific research in the prevention of crimes and the reduction of the consequences that result after a crime has been committed. At the same time, we will describe the ways in which, this fact can be achieved.