NCJ Number
145653
Journal
Justice Quarterly Volume: 10 Issue: 3 Dated: (September 1993) Pages: 353- 368
Date Published
1993
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This study examined the prevalence and consequences of criminal victimization in a quota sample of homeless adults in Birmingham, Alabama.
Abstract
The major study variable of interest was the presence of recent victimization among the homeless sample. Victimization was scored as a dichotomous variable in which 1 indicated that the homeless person was victimized up to 12 months before the interview date. The study also assessed environmental, life circumstance, psychological, and physical health variables. Results demonstrated that the homeless population experienced considerably higher victimization rates than the general population and those in poverty. Most homeless victims could not identify their offender and were victims of violent crimes. Although clear differences were found between the homeless and comparison populations in the victimization episode, results suggested significant differences between homeless victims and homeless nonvictims. Victims had higher incomes and a greater fear of the streets, were more depressed, had a history of mental hospitalization, and experienced more physical symptoms. Victimization was not a significant predictor of depression among homeless persons. The authors argue that homelessness may be such an overwhelming life circumstance that single life events and their effect on mental health are masked by this ultimate state of victimization. 37 references, 4 footnotes, and 4 tables