The scientific study of the psychological effects of crime and the relationship between victims and culprits is known as victimology. It looks at victim behaviours and habits, as well as how victims engage with the police and the legal system, and how elements like class, colour, and sexual orientation influence how the judicial system, the public, and the media observe the victim. Any investigation must include a section on victimology. Victims' reactions to violent crime differ. It is impossible to foresee how a specific individual would react to a stressful situation. When appropriate mental health therapies are needed, victims of violent crime might benefit from a supportive network of family, friends, and agencies.

Battered woman syndrome and rape trauma syndrome are gender-based paradigms that have failed to meet the requirements of scientific validity, despite contrary criticism, and should not be utilised as a mental health diagnosis or in a trial. Even bad science has failed to substantiate stalking trauma syndrome. "It's not even wrong," as they say about such things. Victimology is providing forensic psychologists with fresh insights that they can apply to a variety of aspects of the criminal justice system. Victimology is assisting in the improvement of:

Certain risk factors can increase your chances of becoming a victim of crime. These risk variables might range from the age to the income level, and they can vary based on the category of crime. These risk variables are studied in victimology, and forensic psychology practitioners use the findings to assist government agencies and nonprofits in developing programmes targeted at reducing crime risks among high-risk groups.

Often, the first person a victim encounters with after a crime is a member of police enforcement. Victimology study can be used by forensic psychologists to help law prosecution officers prepare for contacts with victims by teaching them how to respond with suitable empathy while also acquiring crucial details about the crime. Research on victim risk factors can also be used by forensic psychology practitioners to help local police and law enforcement organisations better serve vulnerable communities. Some forensic psychologists give priority to work as victim experts in state and federal government agencies that deal directly with victims. This isn't a counselling position; rather, it's an opportunity to help and support victims in need.

When working with imprisoned offenders, forensic psychologists repeatedly examine the criminal's relationship with his or her victim. Victimology provides these psychologists with a greater knowledge of those relationships and the psychological effects of crime, allowing them to provide more effective feedback and, in turn, minimise recidivism.

The victim of a crime is frequently called as a witness in the suspect's trial. Forensic psychology practitioners can use victimology research to inform forensic interviews aimed to assure the accuracy of testimony in circumstances when the victim is not needed to appear in court but is allowed to submit testimony. Forensic psychology practitioners can assist defence attorneys, prosecutors, and court officers in relating appropriately to victims who will appear in court. They can also assist attorneys in selecting appropriate cross-examination questions.

Alcohol, narcotics, and prescription prescriptions might impair a victim's ability to recall details that investigators require to continue an investigation. This does not imply that all victims who are on medicine or have consumed alcohol or drugs are untrustworthy witnesses. It is critical that investigators and examiners are aware of these difficulties in order to prepare a thorough victimology report.