Gender and Victimization

Abstract

Studies on victimization are on gender differences with limited emphasis on the vulnerability of the victims. The chapter therefore examines the gender differences and vulnerability of victims around the world. The theoretical orientation of this chapter was based on the feminist theory and lifestyle routine-activities theory. Data for this study were obtained from secondary data and reviewed literature. The study established gender variation in victimization in different regions with respect to types of crimes. Individuals and contextual factors responsible for the gender differentials in the level of victimization were identified. The chapter suggests a useful policy that directs learning toward a more encircling rationalization of violence that incorporates both general and crime-specific factors based on gender differences.