NCJ Number
107676
Date Published
1987
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Data from the National Crime Survey show that, between 1980 and 1985, the elderly (those age 65 and over) had the lowest victimization rates of any age group of the U.S. population age 12 or above.
Abstract
However, in a number of respects, crimes against the elderly often are more serious than those against younger people. Compared to younger people, elderly violent crime victims were more likely to face offenders armed with guns (16 versus 12 percent), to be victimized by total strangers (62 versus 47 percent), and to be victimized at or near their homes. About 48 percent of elderly violent crime victims were likely to be attacked and 29 percent were likely to be injured, about the same proportion as victims under 65. Elderly violent crime victims age 75 and above were more likely to be injured and to receive medical attention than those 65 to 74 years old. In addition, compared to younger victims, the elderly were less likely to attempt to protect themselves during a crime incident (52 versus 72 percent). They reported financial losses of $250 or more about as often. Among the elderly, males, blacks, separated or divorced persons, and urban residents had the highest victimization rates. 16 tables.