Victims and Victimization Question Are victims of crime partially responsible for their own victimization?

The National Crime Victims Survey NCVS Estimates 24 million victimizations per year. Costs: Juvenile Crime = 158 Billion dollars per year. T

The National Crime Victims Survey The NCVS is part of the Bureau of Justice Statistics. Gathers data on crime victimization yearly through interviews with a sample of 40,000 homes and 75,000 individuals. Each household is interviewed twice a year.

Re Victimization Due to: 1. Interrogation Process 2. Re living the crime 3. Kept in the “dark” about evidence 4. Loss of wages while in court & meeting with lawyers.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (P.T.S.D.) Stress and anxiety felt long after the incident: Depression Anxiety Flashbacks Nightmares

Relationship Stress Spouse abuse – Takes a high psychological toll on victims. P.T.S.D. Anxiety Disorders Substance Abuse Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (O.C.D)

FEAR Fears that they may be re-victimized are common among: Elderly Poor Minorities

Adolescent Stress Adolescent victims are particularly at risk for P.T.S.D.

Likelihood to commit crimes “CYCLE OF VIOLENCE” Higher among crime victims than non victims.

Child Abuse Being abused as a child increases the odds of being arrested as both a juvenile and an adult.

Rape & Aggravated Assault Take place mostly after 6pm.

Schools Much crime occurs at school where TEEN MALES are located.

Male Victims With the exception of rape and aggravated assault, MEN are MORE LIKELY to become VICTIMS of VIOLENT CRIME.

Female Victims Woman are more likely to be victimized by someone they KNOW. (Two Thirds compared to One Half of men)

Age and Victimization Young people are much more likely to become crime victims then older people. Teens account for over 30% of crime victims. Victimization chances diminishes quickly after age 25.

Age and Victimization The Elderly: Susceptible to fraud, scams, pick pocketing, and stealing checks from the mail.

Poverty and Victimization Most likely to be victims of violent property crimes. The homeless suffer the highest rate of assault.

Race and Victimization African Americans are most likely to be victims of violent crime.

Relationships and Victimization Single people are more likely to be victims of crime than married.

Multiple Victimization People who have been victimized once are at a greater risk for future victimization.

Victim Precipitation Theory People initiate the confrontation that leads to their assault.

Victim Precipitation Theory Cont. Active Precipitation- Aggressive behavior by the victim which leads to their victimization.

Victim Precipitation Theory Cont. Passive Precipitation- The victim unknowingly has some personal or social characteristics which provoke the attacker. (Job promotion, love interest, etc.)

High Risk Life Styles Drinking Drug use Gambling Being a run-a-way College Lifestyle (Partying)

Deviant Place Theory Victimization occurs more if you live in a poor, densely populated, transient area.

Routine Activities Theory Victimization results from: Suitable Targets – Objects of crime People and/or property

Routine Activities Theory cont. Victimization results from: Lack of CAPABLE GUARDIANS Police Watching Neighbors Security Systems

Routine Activities Theory cont. Victimization results from: Motivated Offenders Teenage Boys Unemployed Addict Population

Laws Protecting Victims Omnibus Victim & Witness Protection Act (Reagans administration) 1. Greater Protection for victims 2. More Stringent Bail Laws 3. Restitution

Laws Protecting Victims 1984 – Comprehensive Crime Control Act Federal funding for State Victim Compensation & assistance Programs. Over 2,000 victim and witness programs have been established in U.S.