What is victimology primarily concerned with?

Victimology is primarily concerned with the study of victims and the impacts that crime has on them. This field examines the psychological, social, and emotional effects that individuals experience as a result of being victimized, as well as the broader societal implications of victimization. It delves into topics such as victim rights, support systems, and the relationships between victims, offenders, and the criminal justice system.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of crime and criminal justice. For instance, analyzing criminal behavior patterns pertains to criminology and focusing on why individuals commit crimes. Examining legal definitions of crime relates to legal studies, which investigate the constructs and statutes that define criminal behavior. Evaluating police effectiveness in crime prevention involves assessing law enforcement practices, which is a distinct area from victimology that focuses on crime prevention strategies rather than the experiences of those directly affected by crime.