ABSTRACT
Research on corruption shows that bribery not only stymies development, but also has an impact on health services, literacy rates and the environment. This chapter is an effort to conceptualize in detail how corruption victimizes the society as a whole, its institutions and individuals. When corruption is prosecuted, the victims and their needs are generally ignored. This chapter attempts to create a model of the impact of corruption that recognizes the different dimensions of corruption. Corruption may be incidental (bribes to junior public officials), sporadic (affects different/select aspects of government) or systemic/endemic (having a developmental impact). Corruption infringes the fundamental human rights to fair treatment, unbiased decision-making, and secure civil and political status. Corruption can cause individual damage, institutional damage, and social or societal damage. Damage can be tangible or abstract. Recognizing these dimensions can aid the process of recognizing the different needs of victims of corruption.
