Repeat victimisation is linked to the of the target. a. age b. status c. race d. attractiveness
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is a. age.
Repeat victimisation refers to the phenomenon where the same person, household, or location is victimised more than once within a certain period. Research in criminology shows that certain characteristics of the target influence the likelihood of repeat victimisation, and one of the most significant factors is age. Younger individuals, especially children and adolescents, are more vulnerable to repeat victimisation due to factors such as lifestyle, social environment, and their capacity to protect themselves. They might be exposed more frequently to risky situations or environments that increase the chance of repeated attacks or crimes.
Age is linked to repeat victimisation because it often correlates with vulnerability. For example, younger people may have less experience in recognizing or avoiding dangerous situations. They might also be targeted repeatedly by offenders who identify them as easy or accessible victims. Moreover, young people may have fewer resources or less support to prevent future victimisation, such as limited access to protective social networks or law enforcement help.
In contrast, other factors like status, race, or attractiveness do play roles in victimisation risk but are less directly connected to repeat victimisation. While social status and race may influence overall risk of being victimised, they are not as closely linked to the pattern of experiencing multiple victimisations. Attractiveness has been studied mainly in contexts like interpersonal violence or harassment, but it is not a consistent predictor of repeat victimisation.
Therefore, age stands out as a key factor in repeat victimisation because it reflects vulnerability and exposure patterns that contribute to the likelihood of being victimised multiple times. This understanding helps in developing targeted prevention strategies focusing on protecting younger populations and reducing their repeated risks.