Criminal Victimization of the Physically Challenged (From The Victimology Handbook: Research Findings, Treatment, and Public Policy, P 129-145, 1990, Emilio Viano, ed. -- See NCJ-126951)

• NCJ Number: 126961
• Author(s): H W Ross
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 17 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: San Diego State University
• Sale Source: Garland Publishing, Inc.
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The Cambridge Victim Survey was used to interview nine handicapped persons (requiring wheelchairs) who reported criminal victimization to determine the nature of their victimization and their attitudes toward it.

Abstract

The sample members were between 18 and 65 years old; visibly physically disabled; self-identified as a crime victim within the past year with a visible physical disability prior to the crime; and victimized by a crime committed in San Diego County within the 12 months prior to their participation. The crimes committed against the subjects included sexual molestation, fraud, larceny, and burglary. All subjects reported being victimized more than once. The subjects' relative dissatisfaction with police handling of the crime was often mentioned as a factor in subsequent nonreporting. Subjects agreed that handicapped persons are more vulnerable to crime than able-bodied persons. The study concludes that the increasing mobility of physically disabled persons exposes them to a greater than normal risk of becoming crime victims. They are also more vulnerable to crime because of their inability to protect themselves. The crime risk for handicapped persons is increased because adaptive housing for physically disabled persons is usually located in low-income, high-crime neighborhoods. 24-item bibliography