Cursos / 2º Ciclo / Faculty of Law :: Criminology

VITIMOLOGIA - TEMAS AVANÇADOS - 2025/2026

1º curricular year
Semestralidade: 2nd semester
ECTS: 3.5

Teachers

Leading Teacher: Prof. Doutora Gabriela Mesquita Borges
Assistant Professor: Prof. Doutora Gabriela Mesquita Borges

Class type and School hours

Teórico-prática : 1 Horas

Teaching Language

Portuguese

Main Aims/Objectives

Critically analyze the contemporary dynamics of the sexual victimization of women and children, with a focus on understanding the social, legal, psychological, and media-related structures involved in sexual violence, through the lens of victimology and the examination of high-profile public and media cases.

Specific Aims/Objectives

1. Understand the main concepts and theoretical approaches of victimology as applied to sexual violence.
2. Explore the sociocultural, psychological, and legal factors that influence the victimization of women and children.
3. Assess how media and social networks contribute to either the visibility or silencing of victims.
4. Study high-profile media cases (such as Epstein and P. Diddy) and reflect on their legal, ethical, and social implications.

Skills to be acquired

1. Identify and apply fundamental victimology concepts in the study of sexual violence.
2. Analyze real and media-covered cases through the lens of victimological theories and human rights.
3. Recognize the mechanisms of power and control involved in the victimization of women and children, especially in contexts of privilege and impunity.
4. Critically assess the role of the media, the justice system, and institutions in their treatment of victims.

Teaching Procedures

i. Expository Classes: For the introduction of fundamental concepts and historical contextualization.
ii. Debates and Discussions: Debate sessions to encourage criticism and reflection on the topics covered

Programme

Module I – Foundations of Victimology and Sexual Violence: A Contemporary Perspective
1. Legal and clinical definitions of sexual violence
2. Statistical data and invisible realities
3. Power, control, and manipulation dynamics

Module II – Children and Women as Vulnerable Groups
1. Childhood and sexual abuse: profiles of offenders and victims
2. Gender-based violence and structural patriarchy
3. The cycle of violence and its consequences

Module III – Media Cases as Social Mirrors
1. Media coverage and the role of investigative journalism
2. Case study: Jeffrey Epstein – trafficking networks, elites, and impunity
3. Case study: P. Diddy – domestic violence, coercion, and celebrity culture
4. Culture of silence and cancel culture: between justice and spectacle

Evaluation Type

Taking a written test to assess understanding of theoretical and historical concepts.

Teaching Resources

i. Books and scientific articles on victimology, violence and justice.
ii. Documentaries, educational videos and PowerPoint presentations on related topics.
iii. Real case materials for analysis and discussion in the classroom.

Sustainability Objectives

Keywords

Victimology; Sexual violence; Women and children; Sexual abuse; Power and impunity

Main Bibliography

Complementary Bibliography