Victimology
Help build the future of enhanced supports and rights for victims of crime.
- The Victimology Research Centre provides students an opportunity to learn/expand research skills by contributing to active projects and/or publications
- Mock scenarios facilitated by frontline victim service professionals provide practical knowledge in victim-centered care during crisis and beyond.
- Combines theory and learning in a 146-hour field placement where students gain experience in victims' issues and needs, volunteering alongside victim service workers
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Fall 2024
No
Schedule
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Other Delivery Options
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
- government agencies
- 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
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 are able to work effectively under stressful situations.
- Are advocates of victim rights.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
VIC0001
Course Name:
Victimology: Theoretical Perspectives
Course Description:
The majority of Canadians experience criminal victimization at some point in their lifetime. The meaning of the term "victim" is explored th... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
VIC0002
Course Name:
Victims of Crime
Course Description:
It is essential for professionals in the field of victimology to ensure that victims of crime are not further traumatized by the very interv... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
VIC0003
Course Name:
Victimization and the Law
Course Description:
Being a victim of crime thrusts a person into a number of legal systems. Students critically examine legal systems from a victim's perspecti... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
VIC0004
Course Name:
Violence Against Women
Course Description:
Students learn theory and practical skills essential to assist women who are victims of violence. Students examine historical and social per... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
VIC0005
Course Name:
Indigenous Peoples: Understanding and Reducing VIctimization
Course Description:
Indigenous Peoples are over-represented both as victims and offenders. Students explore the impact of the residential schools, effects of co... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
VIC0006
Course Name:
Victims and the Media
Course Description:
Crime is frequently reported and sensationalized in the media. Students are sensitized to the impact of the media on victims of crime. Throu... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
VIC0007
Course Name:
Men and VIctimization
Course Description:
Men who experience victimization often encounter barriers to seeking help. Students explore masculinities theory, stigma, help-seeking behav... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
VIC2000
Course Name:
Professional Development and Self Care
Course Description:
Working with victims of crime is a demanding profession. Students learn the principles of debriefing, self-care and stress management in pre... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
VIC2001
Course Name:
Childhood VIctimization
Course Description:
Childhood victimization can have long-term negative impacts and shape the way a person views the world and those surrounding them. Students ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
VIC2002
Course Name:
Diversity and VIctim Assistance
Course Description:
Students develop the knowledge and skills required to provide culturally competent services to victims. Students explore the dynamics of dif... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
VIC2004
Course Name:
Victimology: Assessment and Intervention
Course Description:
Victim assistance workers must be able to plan and implement skills and techniques aimed at the prevention of crime and healing of victims. ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
VIC2005
Course Name:
Victim Assistance Services
Course Description:
Victim service professionals are required to collaborate with service agencies to plan, deliver and evaluate victim service programs and ini... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
VIC2006
Course Name:
Field Placement
Course Description:
In collaboration with faculty and agency personnel, students work in an agency providing victim-centred services, research, or advocacy. Thi... + Read More
Hours:
146.0
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.
- 3. 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 ongoing professional development.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2023/2024 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program related expenses include:
- Books and supplies cost approximately $550 and can be purchased from the campus store.
- For more information visit www.algonquincollege.com/coursematerials.
Admissions Requirements
Program Eligibility
- Ontario College Diploma, Ontario College Advanced Diploma, Degree or equivalent in a Medical or Social Services field.
- Applicants without the required diploma or degree will be assessed individually and will be required to complete an Eligibility Package.
- Eligibility Package submission details can be found on the Algonquin College Additional Admission Requirements website: www.algonquincollege.com/admissionspackages.
- 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. Application processing delays are possible; please submit your application promptly upon department date release. Should you require further information, contact the Program Coordinator.
Application Information
VICTIMOLOGY
Program Code 1611X01FWO
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Applications are available online at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants applying from out-of-country can obtain the International Student Application Form at https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/ or by contacting the Registrar`s Office.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Additional Information
Program Resources
This program is also available through AC Online. For more information, visit the AC Online website at https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/.
Field Placement/Clinical Experience:
In collaboration with faculty and agency personnel, students work in a variety of settings including community agencies, the criminal justice system and policy related placements, providing victim-centred services advocacy. This practicum experience provides students with the opportunity to integrate theory with practice and to contribute to victim service initiatives within seminars, discussions and journals.
Contact
Jennifer Barkley
Program Coordinator
Room P112O
Jennifer Barkley is the Program Coordinator, Field Placement Coordinator and part time instructor of the Graduate Victimology Certificate at Algonquin College in Ottawa Ontario. She holds a B.A. Honours in Criminology, with a minor in Forensic Psychology from Carleton University, and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Victimology from Algonquin College. Jennifer conducted research for a Canada-wide study on resilience and victims of violence, aimed at enhancing the assistance provided to victims.
Engaged in public speaking about a murder in her own family, Jennifer promotes an increased understanding of the journey encountered by victims following violence. Victim-centered care is close to Jennifer’s heart and provides the focus of her professional path.
Ben Roebuck
Professor
Room P112H
Benjamin has been teaching in the Police & Public Safety Institute since 2010. A full-time professor in Victimology and Public Safety, he serves as the Research Chair for the Victimology Research Centre housed within the Office of Applied Research, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship (ARIE). Benjamin holds a PhD in Criminology from the University of Ottawa and is co-author of Staying Alive While Living the Life: Adversity, Strength and Resilience in the Lives of Homeless Youth, published by Fernwood in 2018.
Benjamin’s professional passion is centered on resilience, having served on numerous committees and Boards of Directors for agencies supporting youth, survivors of violence, and people experiencing homelessness. Currently, Benjamin is an academic advisor to the Crime Prevention Ottawa (CPO) Youth Reference Group, the External Advisory Council for the Sexual Misconduct Response Center with the Canadian Armed Forces and Department of National Defence, as well as a member of the Academic Advisory Circle for the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime.
Benjamin is the principal investigator for a national SSHRC-funded study on victim services and vicarious resilience, as well as an NSERC-funded study on COVID-19 and system responses to homelessness. His research has been featured nationally on CBC and in the Globe & Mail.
Melissa Heimerl
Professor
Melissa Heimerl is the Executive Director of Ottawa Victim Services and has been a part time Professor in the Victimology Graduate Program since 2016. She holds a Masters degree in Counselling and has focused her work on supporting victims of trauma. Melissa is an Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Trainer with Living Works Education. She started her career working in Rape Crisis Centres supporting victims of childhood sexual abuse and sexual assault. Melissa is the East Region representative on the Board of Directors for the Ontario Network of Victim Service Providers. Melissa is the co-founder of Unsafe at Home Ottawa and the H.E.A.L.T.H Clinic (now named The Clinic).
Melissa is passionate about victim advocacy and has presented nationally to numerous institutions on the effects of victimization and the rights of victims. She consults on research projects with the Ottawa Hospitals Sexual Assault Partner Abuse Care Program and the Victimology Research Institute at Algonquin College with multiple publications to date. Melissa has also been the recipient of the Attorney Generals Victim Service Award of Distinction.