This paper presents theory and research on destructive versus constructive effects of group-based victim consciousness. While a host of literature demonstrates that past victimization gives rise to revenge and legitimizes harmdoing toward other groups, recent research on "altruism born of suffering" shows that under certain circumstances individuals who have suffered are more likely to help others in need. Based on characteristics of victim beliefs that foster destructive consequences on the one hand, and clinical and social psychological theories that explain the alternative prosocial response on the other hand, I propose that the construal of victimization, defined as "victim consciousness," may explain the seemingly inconsistent findings. A model is presented that distinguishes exclusive from inclusive victim consciousness - that is, a focus on the distinctiveness versus similarities of the ingroup's victimization in relation to other groups' experiences, and a group-specific versus universal representation of the events. Together with several moderators, exclusive victim consciousness is expected to have destructive effects, while inclusive victim consciousness is expected to predict prosocial orientations toward outgroup members. Findings from five (correlational and quasi-experimental) studies are presented that provide empirical support for the model. Increased prosocial attitudes and behavior toward outgroups and disadvantaged members of society are demonstrated among victims and members of victimized groups, mediated by effects of empathy and reduced ingroup bias. Additionally, effects of perceived similarity, societal acknowledgement, and intergroup contact with members of other victimized groups are demonstrated. The paper discusses theoretical and practical implications of this research for violence prevention and social justice.