Victimology
Help build the future of enhanced supports and rights for victims of crime.
- The Victimology Research Centre allows students to learn/expand research skills in areas of interest related to Victimology, complete with opportunity for publication, dependent on timing and progress of project
- Mock scenarios facilitated by frontline victim service professionals are integrated into the Assessment and Intervention course that provides practical experience responding to victim needs both in and out of crisis
- Combines theory and learning and includes a field placement of more than 140 hours where students learn about victims' issues and perspectives first-hand from experts in the field
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Availability varies by course. Click here to view availability for courses in this program.
Schedule
Given the part-time delivery of this program, there is not a standard schedule for all learners.
Program Summary
Credential
Program Code
Area of Interest
Other Campuses
Work Integrated Learning
The one-year Victimology Ontario College Graduate Certificate program prepares you for work in a variety of fields, providing services to victims of crime. This one-year program provides specialized knowledge and skills in victimology and in the provision of victim services. You also explore the history and theories of victimization, with applied victim-centred focus.
Combining theoretical and applied learning, it includes a field placement of more than 140 hours. It is in this setting where you learn about victims' issues and perspectives first-hand from experts in the field....(read more)
Overview
Help build the future of enhanced supports and rights for victims of crime.
The one-year Victimology Ontario College Graduate Certificate program prepares you for work in a variety of fields, providing services to victims of crime. This one-year program provides specialized knowledge and skills in victimology and in the provision of victim services. You also explore the history and theories of victimization, with applied victim-centred focus.
Combining theoretical and applied learning, it includes a field placement of more than 140 hours. It is in this setting where you learn about victims' issues and perspectives first-hand from experts in the field.
Practicum options include:
- victim crisis units
- police services
- victim advocacy centres
- indigenous healing centres
- women's shelters
- community action groups
Overall, you develop knowledge of crisis response, sudden and traumatic loss, and victim populations. Learn about crime and its effects on victims in the criminal justice system. In your practicum, you integrate theory with practice and contribute to victim service initiatives within your community.
The Victimology program offers you the means to pursue a unique career. This program is the first graduate certificate program offered by a Canadian college specializing in victimology. More than just theory, this program puts you in the field, allowing you to learn how to look at issues from the victim's perspective.
You may find work in a wide variety of fields helping victims of crime. Work opportunities may exist in:
- social services
- child protection
- crisis response
- the criminal justice system, and
- in other areas related to victimization
To qualify for this graduate certificate, you must complete the program within three years.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited to students who:
- Are committed to developing specialized knowledge and skills related to victimology and victim services.
- Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Work successfully in a team environment.
- Thrive in challenging work settings and have the ability to work effectively in stressful situations.
- Are advocates of victim rights.
Courses
Read this before applying:
Part-time graduate certificate programs require you to complete an application and be accepted into the program prior to course registration. Please complete the application form before registering. Your course will take place entirely online and does not require you to come to campus. Without a set class time you can complete your assignments when it’s most convenient for you while following the course deadlines. Different courses may be available each semester so don’t forget to check back regularly.
Effective Spring 2021, VIC2000 Professional Development Seminar and Self-Care will replace VIC2003 Professional Development and Self-Care, and VIC2007 Field Placement Seminar. Students following older programs of study will have to call the Registrar’s Office to register into VIC2000 Professional Development Seminar and Self-Care course. This course will not appear in the Academic Planner, however, it will be accepted as equivalent to both VIC2003 and VIC2007 when you apply to graduate.
Online  |
| Course Number | Hours | Course Name | Winter | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Series: 01 | ||||||
| VIC0001 | 42.0 | Victimology: Theoretical Perspectives | | |||
| VIC0002 | 42.0 | Victims of Crime | | |||
| VIC0003 | 42.0 | Victimization and the Law | | |||
| VIC0004 | 42.0 | Violence Against Women | | |||
| VIC0005 | 28.0 | Indigenous Peoples: Understanding and Reducing Victimization | | |||
| VIC0006 | 28.0 | Victims and the Media | | |||
| VIC0007 | 28.0 | Men and Victimization | | |||
| Series: 02 | ||||||
| VIC2000 | 42.0 | Professional Development and Self Care | | |||
| VIC2001 | 42.0 | Childhood Victimization | | |||
| VIC2002 | 28.0 | Diversity and Victim Assistance | | |||
| VIC2004 | 42.0 | Victimology: Assessment and Intervention | | |||
| VIC2005 | 42.0 | Victim Assistance Services | | |||
| VIC2006 | 146.0 | Field Placement | | |||
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
VIC0001 Victimology: Theoretical Perspectives
The majority of Canadians experience criminal victimization at some point in their lifetime. The meaning of the term victim is explored through theoretical perspectives and case studies. Students conduct critical analysis and learn research methods in the field of victimology. Students are introduced to victim classifications, community victimization, the link between victimization and offending and violence prevention strategies. Special attention is also given to the examination of the development of victims' rights at the regional, national and international level.
VIC0002 Victims of Crime
It is essential for professionals in the field of victimology to ensure that victims of crime are not further traumatized by the very interventions designed to assist. Students examine the impact of various types of victimization including cyber-crime, homicide, sexual assault, elder abuse, drunk driving, assault, intimate partner violence, globalization, human trafficking and fraud. Students explore issues of grief, loss, trauma response and the costs associated with victimization. Case studies and role playing, assessment, advocacy and advanced communication skills are developed through discussion.
VIC0003 Victimization and the Law
Being a victim of crime thrusts a person into a number of legal systems. Students critically examine legal systems from a victim's perspective. Particular focus is placed on the criminal and family law systems and how they intersect. Relevant legislation, as well as recommendations from inquests and inquiries are examined. Restorative justice and victims' rights are explored.
VIC0004 Violence Against Women
Students learn theory and practical skills essential to assist women who are victims of violence. Students examine historical and social perspectives of violence against women; issues of power and authority within a feminist theoretical framework; different forms of violence against women, such as sexual violence and femicide; and women's varied experiences of violence (as impacted by race, class, sexual orientation, ability and age). Through a combination of case studies, literature and media analysis, group activities and discussion, practical demonstrations, role plays, and community research, students learn how to support women who are victims of violence, to assess women for risk of violence, to recommend personal safety plans, and to best advocate for appropriate and needed services.
VIC0005 Indigenous Peoples: Understanding and Reducing Victimization
Indigenous Peoples are over-represented both as victims and offenders. Students explore the impact of the residential schools, effects of colonialism on traditional values and culture, as well as structural victimization. Students critically examine and assess Canada's principal approaches to addressing victimization and offending by and against Indigenous Peoples. Through discussion and experiential learning from an Indigenous perspective, students gain insight and understanding of Indigenous teachings, Indigenous worldview, culturally relevant healing, crime prevention and restorative justice.
VIC0006 Victims and the Media
Crime is frequently reported and sensationalized in the media. Students are sensitized to the impact of the media on victims of crime. Through a review of current events, students evaluate the role of the media in the lives of victims, paying particular attention to privacy issues. Students develop media research, communication and public relations skills to effectively advocate for victims' issues in the media.
VIC0007 Men and Victimization
Men who experience victimization often encounter barriers to seeking help. Students explore masculinities theory, stigma, help-seeking behaviours, and male-centred treatment approaches. Special attention is paid to men's experiences of sexual violence, partner violence, institutional violence, and war-related trauma. Through case studies, in-class activities, and research, students will consider how society can better prevent and respond to male victimization.
VIC2000 Professional Development and Self Care
Working with victims of crime is a demanding profession. Students learn the principles of debriefing, self-care and stress management in preparation for field placement. Seminars involve the discussion of issues relating to the placement environment and analysis of on-the-job situations. Students are able to understand their personal strengths and limitations and to develop and critique personal strategies for managing occupational stress. Special attention is given to working within professional guidelines and the creation of individual plans for professional development. Through examination of Victim Service Standards students develop knowledge of ethical codes, confidentiality and ongoing education that guide professional practice in victim services. Students complete field placement documentation and consultations with their field placement supervisor.
VIC2001 Childhood Victimization
Childhood victimization can have long-term negative impacts and shape the way a person views the world and those surrounding them. Students examine short- and long-term effects of childhood victimization and gender-related issues. Common myths are explored regarding children's symptoms and the effects of childhood victimization. Students gain an understanding of criminal and child welfare investigations, as well as relevant legislation and professional requirements related to reporting and documentation. Child development (ages, stages, capacities) and parental/guardian considerations are explored. Students develop the interpersonal skills necessary to listen to and to interview children and their families. Emphasis is placed on appropriate victim support and prevention of recurrence.
VIC2002 Diversity and Victim Assistance
Students develop the knowledge and skills required to provide culturally competent services to victims. Students explore the dynamics of difference from a personal and professional perspective. Emphasis is given to marginalized and minoritized populations. Through critical analysis and examination of core concepts (identity, equity, anti-oppression, reflective practice and cultural competency), students learn how to work with all populations requiring victim services while applying an anti-oppression framework.
VIC2004 Victimology: Assessment and Intervention
Victim assistance workers must be able to plan and implement skills and techniques aimed at the prevention of crime and healing of victims. Students are introduced to the theoretical basis and practice of victim service interventions. Students learn to conduct threat assessments, triage, facilitation, mediation, and negotiation. Special emphasis is placed on recognizing and addressing the acute needs of victims in crisis and delivering interventions from a client-centred perspective.
VIC2005 Victim Assistance Services
Victim service professionals are required to collaborate with service agencies to plan, deliver and evaluate victim service programs and initiatives. Students research and identify the vast array of community, provincial and national services, including financial remedies, counselling, mental health, medical and addiction services. Students learn to facilitate interagency communication and multidisciplinary case management. Through case studies, students identify and assess the needs of victims, identify the most appropriate referrals, and present strategies and approaches that can be used to advocate for victims within and between various systems.
VIC2006 Field Placement
In collaboration with faculty and agency personnel, students work in an agency providing victim-centred services, research, or advocacy. This field placement experience provides students with the opportunity to integrate theory with practice and to contribute to victim service initiatives within a community setting. Those already working with an approved victim services agency may opt, in consultation with their supervisor, to conduct a research project within their agency. Students reflect on their learning through seminars, discussions and journals.
Pre-requisites: VIC0001 AND VIC0002 AND VIC0003 AND VIC0004 AND VIC0005 AND VIC0006 AND VIC0007
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates may find employment in a variety of occupational fields providing services to victims of crime, including social services, child protection, crisis response, the criminal justice system and in policy areas related to victimization.
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Assess individuals, families and groups for the risk and experience of victimization.
- Advocate for victims of crime within the criminal justice and other systems.
- Plan, implement and evaluate interventions aimed at prevention and healing for victims of crime.
- Refer victims of crime to appropriate services.
- Design and deliver victim service education to other professionals and members of the community.
- Collaborate with service agencies to plan, deliver and evaluate victim service programs and initiatives.
- Identify, analyze and apply current research and theory to victim services.
- Assess the personal impact of delivering victim services and employ self care strategies.
- Plan and participate in on-going professional development.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that enable their contribution to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
2024/2025 Academic Year
Fees are subject to change.
Fees for part-time programs are charged on a course-by-course basis and are published on each individual course page. For questions related to fees, please call the Registrar's Office at 613-727-0002.
Graduation Fee:
Once you have completed all the courses in the program, it is the responsibility of the student to complete a credential application (https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/certificationgraduating/). A graduation fee is charged when the application is submitted. After your credential application has been approved, you will be invited to Convocation.
The approximate cost of books and supplies is $250 over the program
duration. For more information visit https://www.algonquincollege.com/coursematerials/students/.
Admissions Requirements
Program Eligibility
- Ontario College Diploma, Ontario College Advanced Diploma, Degree or equivalent in a Medical, Legal, or Social Services field.
- Applicants who hold a diploma or degree in a discipline other than listed above will be assessed individually and will be required to complete an Eligibility Package.
- Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
- IELTS-International English Language Testing Service Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with a minimum of 22 in each component: Reading 22; Listening 22; Speaking 22; Writing 22; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 120, minimum of 120 in Literacy and no score below 105.
POLICE RECORDS CHECK DOCUMENTATION:
Though not an admission requirement, applicants must note important information listed below regarding Police Records Check program requirements.
Successful completion of a field placement is a requirement for graduation from the Victimology program. Agencies that provide placement opportunities may require proof of a clear Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS). Your acceptance for placement is at the discretion of the agency. If you register in the program and do not have a clear PRCSVS and as a result are unable to participate in placement, you will not be able to graduate.
FIELD PLACEMENT ELIGIBILITY:
To be eligible for placement, you must submit proof of a PRCSVS, which will be retained on your department file and used only for purposes related to your placement. You will be required to disclose the contents of the PRCSVS, including all notations, to the placement agencies.
It is your responsibility to obtain the PRCSVS from your local Police Department prior to the deadline identified by your department and to pay any associated costs. It may take a long time to obtain this documentation; please submit your application as early as possible. Should you require further information, contact the Program Chair.
Application Information
Read this before applying:
Part-time graduate certificate programs require you to complete an application and be accepted into the program prior to course registration. Please complete the application form before registering. Your course will take place entirely online and does not require you to come to campus. Without a set class time you can complete your assignments when it’s most convenient for you while following the course deadlines. Different courses may be available each semester so don’t forget to check back regularly.
Effective Spring 2021, VIC2000 Professional Development Seminar and Self-Care will replace VIC2003 Professional Development and Self-Care, and VIC2007 Field Placement Seminar. Students following older programs of study will have to call the Registrar’s Office to register into VIC2000 Professional Development Seminar and Self-Care course. This course will not appear in the Academic Planner, however, it will be accepted as equivalent to both VIC2003 and VIC2007 when you apply to graduate.
Additional Information
Program Resources
International students wishing to study online should visit https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/international for information related to International online students and for International fees information prior to registering. Please note that AC Online programs do not qualify international students for new study permits or study permit extensions.
APPLICATION INFORMATION:
Applications to graduate certificate part-time programs must be submitted via our online application form available at: (https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/part-time-application-form/).
Prior to starting your application, please ensure that you have consulted the program admission requirements and have all the supporting documentation in a digital format ready to be uploaded.
Applications submitted in a paper format or via email will not be accepted and incomplete applications will not be processed.
Applications will typically be processed within 2-3 weeks but can take longer during peak times and start of academic terms. Applicants are encouraged to apply at least 4-6 weeks prior to start of term.
WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING (WIL) OVERVIEW:
The final requirement of the Victimology part-time graduate certificate program is a 146-hour Field Placement course. This course is designed to provide you with an opportunity to apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that you have learned throughout the prerequisite courses.
As a field placement student, you are responsible for completing 146 experience hours on-site at your assigned field placement agency. Field placement hours can be completed all at once or in varying time periods throughout the term, your schedule must be agreed upon with your placement agency prior to the start of your placement. All placement hours must be completed by the final day of the term.
If you are already working with an approved victim services agency, you may choose to conduct a research project within your workplace. Students interested in completing the research project option are required to submit the Intent to Complete Placement Form. Your eligibility to complete the research project will be evaluated, and you will be contacted to confirm the next steps.
FIELD PLACEMENT ELIGIBILITY:
In order to be eligible for field placements, students must meet the following requirements prior to the placement deadline:
- Academic Clearance: Students must complete all required prerequisite courses prior to the placement start date.
- Placement/Project Request Form: All students are required to submit a placement/project request form prior to the placement deadline.
- Secure an appropriate placement agency: It is the student's responsibility to confirm their placement agency, dates, hours, etc. Supports will be provided by the course facilitator and further information is available on the Field Placement Centre website: https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/field-placement.
- Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS): if you are completing placement in the field, you will be required to submit a copy of your PRCSVS when you confirm your placement location.
PRIOR LEARNING AND RECOGNITION (PLAR):
Students who wish to apply for PLAR need to demonstrate competency at a post-secondary level in all of the course learning requirements. Evidence of learning achievements for PLAR candidates may include a comprehensive challenge examination and/or completion of a portfolio.
AC ONLINE ACADEMIC PLANNER:
The Academic Planner provides registered part-time students the ability to declare into a program of study. The Academic Planner outlines successfully completed courses to date, as well as courses that need to be completed in order to meet graduation requirements. It is therefore, essential that all part-time students declare to their program of study, allowing administrators to plan course offerings. The tool is available on ACSIS, located under 'Part-time Students' on the left-hand toolbar.
PROGRAM PROGRESSION:
As per policy AA39: Program Progression and Graduation Requirements when students are admitted to a program, they are assigned to the Program of Study that aligns with their start date. If a student takes a break for two or more consecutive terms the Program of Study is reset to align with the current version (when studies are resumed).
Contact
Future Students
For additional information, please contact our Customer Service Representative team at online@algonquincollege.com and they will direct you to the best person to answer your specific questions.
Current Students
For additional information, please reference the AC Online Circle of Care.