A dearth in research pertaining to the secondary victimisation of child victims in the criminal justice system (CJS) exists. The study set out to conduct a criminological investigation into the prevalence and nature of secondary victimisation of child victims, identifying whether current policies and legislation are enforced in practice, and considering and describing measures which should be taken to reduce the occurrence of secondary victimisation of child victims in the CJS. In order to achieve this aim, a qualitative research approach was applied and Piquero and Hickman’s extended control balance theory guided the study. Eleven semi-structured interviews were conducted with role-players who have at least two years’ experience working with child victims in the CJS. These role-players consisted of one social worker in private practice and social workers from the Teddy Bear Clinic for Abused Children. By utilising thematic analysis, distinct themes and sub-themes were identified. The results indicated that child victims invariably encounter secondary victimisation whilst proceeding through the CJS. This victimisation was reiterated to be related to various criminal justice professionals who deal with child victims without the sufficient training and knowledge needed. The effect of secondary victimisation was proven to be substantial on child victims and showed to often result in withdrawal, delinquent behaviours as well as suicidal tendencies. The majority of the participants affirmed that the current provisions, although powerful in theory, are not being enforced in practice and expressed the dire need for training to be provided to all professionals who engage with child victims. / Dissertation (MA)--University ofPretoria, 2019. / Social Work and Criminology / MA / Unrestricted

The nature and extent of vehicle hijacking is increasing world-wide. Vehicle hijacking is also one of the most serious crimes the South African Police Service has to deal with. The climate of violence that currently exists in South Africa and the need for more knowledge concerning priority crimes necessitate research on this topic. Although research that has been undertaken in South Africa to date focuses on the nature and extent of vehicle hijacking as well as the victim’s experience of the event, little empirical information exists regarding the modus operandi of offenders and the victim’s role in the commission of the crime. On account of this it was decided to investigate the planning, operational and escaping phases which reflect the modus operandi of the hijacker. An attempt was also made to determine the extent to which victims are vulnerable to vehicle hijacking and how individuals could contribute to their victimisation. To test the research expectations and hypotheses, 110 victims and 12 vehicle hijackers were involved in the study. A mailed questionnaire was sent to the victims, while interviews were conducted with 12 hijackers in the Pretoria Central Prison. Based upon the analysis and interpretation of the data it was found that most hijackers spend at least some time on the planning of a vehicle hijacking. They also considered both the positive (namely the financial advantage gained from hijacking) and the negative aspects (namely injuries, death, arrest and imprisonment) associated with committing the crime. Analysis of the data shows that vehicle hijacking does not occur involuntarily and that hijackers select specific targets. Although the misconception exists that the vehicle and the motorist are equally important during the selection of the target, the findings show that the vehicle which is on order, serves as the main reason for target selection. The race of the motorist as well as the number of passengers in the vehicle are the only two variables that influence hijackers not to select an identified target. Furthermore, it seems evident that the presence of policy officials is the only environmental factor that will deter a hijacker from committing the crime. The findings also show that hijackers prefer a specific day, time, place and circumstances to hijack a vehicle and that hijacking is a group activity that is executed by two to four males. Verbal threats as well as violence form part of the hijacking. It appears that race and occupation are the only two demographic variables that influence vulnerability. The make and value of the vehicle as well as the number of passengers in the vehicle could increase a victim’s potential risk for victimisation. The findings show that victims cannot be held accountable for a vehicle hijacking. Victims rarely neglect to take the necessary precautions against victimisation, enter potentially dangerous situations and/or drive recklessly. Based upon that findings, certain conclusions with regard to the aims of the study are reached. Based on this, recommendations are made concerning further research as well as suggestions regarding the prevention of vehicle hijacking. / Thesis (DPhil(Criminology))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Social Work and Criminology / Unrestricted

The exploratory study investigated jewellery store robbery from a victim risk and intervention perspective. An explanation of the phenomenon was offered based on the information obtained from a review of the existing literature, case studies, personal observations at jewellery stores, discussions with jewellers, a scientific questionnaire submitted to jewellers, and semi-structured and structured interviews conducted with a group of knowledgeable respondents and victimised jewellers respectively. A predominantly quantitative research method was applied. The research findings obtained during the study enabled a proposal for a jewellery store robbery intervention model based on the situational crime prevention perspective, which is inclusive of decisional, environmental, situational, procedural, personnel and business-oriented strategies. / Criminology / M.A. (Criminology)

The exploratory study investigated jewellery store robbery from a victim risk and intervention perspective. An explanation of the phenomenon was offered based on the information obtained from a review of the existing literature, case studies, personal observations at jewellery stores, discussions with jewellers, a scientific questionnaire submitted to jewellers, and semi-structured and structured interviews conducted with a group of knowledgeable respondents and victimised jewellers respectively. A predominantly quantitative research method was applied. The research findings obtained during the study enabled a proposal for a jewellery store robbery intervention model based on the situational crime prevention perspective, which is inclusive of decisional, environmental, situational, procedural, personnel and business-oriented strategies. / Criminology and Security Science / M.A. (Criminology)