Crimes Against International Students in Australia: 2005-09

• NCJ Number: 235685
• Author(s): Jacqueline Joudo Larsen; Jason Payne; Adam Tomison
• Date Published: 2011
• Length: 191 pages
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: Australia
• Note: AIC Reports Special report

Annotation

This study estimated the extent to which international students have been crime victims while in Australia and whether international students are more or less likely to be crime victims than a comparison Australian population.

Abstract

Data on recorded crimes against international students in Australia indicate that international students living in Australia are less likely or as likely to be victims of physical assault and theft as a comparison group of Australians; however, crime levels experienced by international students of different nationalities varied. Data on robbery show that Indian students typically experienced the same or a heightened incidence of assault and theft offenses compared to other nationalities among international students. Both male and female Indian international students, as well as male Chinese students, were more likely to be robbery victims in some jurisdictions for some of the years examined than Australian reference populations. Types of employment, areas of residence, and evening activities (including both shift work and use of public transportation) are areas of risk for international students that explain some of the incidence of robbery for Indian students. In order to better understand the risk factors, including racial appearance, that are most influential in crimes against international students, further targeted research is needed that focuses on offender motivations. There were no administrative and victimization survey data that could provide adequate information on the extent of recorded crime against international student populations; neither was there data that could assist in identifying whether the rate of victimization of international students was higher than the rate of victimization of Australian students or a comparable Australian population. The data collection and analysis system developed by the Australian Institute of Criminology is described. Relevant data were collected and analyzed for the years between 2005 and 2009. 21 figures, 104 tables, and 66 references