of the case, such as the duration of the treatment, its physical or mental effects and, in some cases, the sex, age, and state of health of the victim, etc."

The fourth conception is victim-objective, which "refers to severe violations of the respect, recognition, and care that the unconditional and inherent dignity of each and every individual command". Under this view, "cruelty occurs when a grave violation of human dignity that in normal circumstances would amount to cruelty is caused by individuals or by the operation of impersonal