NCJ Number
189970
Journal
Violence and Victims Volume: 16 Issue: 4 Dated: August 2001 Pages: 441-455
Date Published
August 2001
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This study examined the effects of a high-risk environment on the sexual victimization of homeless and runaway youth.
Abstract
Based on the structural-choice theory of victimization, the study examined the effects of a high-risk environment on the sexual victimization of 311 homeless and runaway youth. Data were from the Seattle Homeless Adolescent Research and Education Project, and involved interviews with 372 youth. Logistic regression disclosed that survival sex, gender, and physical appearance were significantly associated with sexual victimization. A series of interactions also revealed that the effects of deviant behaviors on sexual victimization varied by gender and age. Although males and females engaged in similar activities, young women were more likely to be victims of sexual assault. These findings suggested that engaging in high-risk behaviors predisposed some people to greater risks but it was the combination of these behaviors with gender and/or age that determined who would be victimized. The study suggested the need for further research on the link between physical appearance and sexual victimization. It also suggested research into whether the findings of this study were unique to homeless populations or could apply to other populations such as college students. Tables, figures, references