Criminology

Repeat victimization refers to situations or people that are prone to physical or criminal attacks by assailants. This occurs due to the vulnerability of the victims or the ease with which certain situations present ample opportunity for a crime to take place. Dark alleys and isolated streets are   dangerous places to venture into at night because of the likelihood of getting mugged or raped. Similarly, withdrawing money from ATMs located on streets with low traffic creates an opportunity for criminals to strike.

Vulnerable people like the aged and very young are at risk from assailants, kidnappers and rapists. They suffer from repeat victimization since criminals view them as easy targets. As a result, extra security measures need to be instituted to protect them from attacks.  Some of the problems associated with preventing repeat victimization are that the victims do not take their security very seriously. They expose themselves to risky situations or carry expensive items in crime prone areas. This increases the incidence of victimization, traumatizes the person and creates a fear of venturing outdoors. 
By identifying situations and persons that are most likely to be attacked, law enforcement and security agents can set up surveillance points to arrest such offenders. Another measure the police can implement is to issue public broadcasts asking citizens to avoid venturing into crime prone areas. Community policing programs, travel advisories, street lighting and increased patrol will ensure previous hot spots become safe again.