Exploratory Research on the Impact of the Growing Oil Industry in North Dakota and Montana on Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking: A Final Summary Overview

• NCJ Number: 250378
• Author(s): Dheeshana S. Jayasundara; Thomasine Heitkamp; Roni Mayzer; Elizabeth Legerski; Tracy A. Evanson
• Date Published: September 2016
• Length: 13 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2013-ZD-CX-0072
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical); Report (Study/Research); Report (Grant Sponsored)

Annotation

This study examined the impact of increased oil development in the Bakken region of Montana and North Dakota on domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking (DVDVSAS).

Abstract

Statistical analysis shows that DVDVSAS increased in the Bakken region after the oil boom started in 2008; however, findings differ depending on the types of data analyzed and the specific communities examined. Although nearly all of t he regional analyses showed increases in DVDVSAS, some of those changes were not statistically significant. "Hot spots" were also revealed from data sources. A key conclusion of the study is that the oil patch is a diverse setting that impacts specific communities in diverse ways. Victim and family service agencies reported experiencing increased demand for services without adequate resources to address client needs. The study focused on data for the years 2002-2014. A mixed methods approach that combined the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data was used. Researchers collected and analyzed data on related crimes and on State and local agencies that provide services to victims of interpersonal violence, using audio-recorded interviews and focus groups. A wide variety of individuals living in the region also participated in interviews and focus groups. Relevant public policies were examined as well. 4 figures and 1 table