Showing papers in "Victims & Offenders in 2008"
TL;DR: Using a sample of 2,437 middle-school students from a metropolitan Virginia area, the authors explored the impact of school bullying on students' academic performance and reported that bullying has emerged as a salient problem in the school environment.
Abstract: Bullying has emerged as a salient problem in the school environment. Using a sample of 2,437 middle-school students from a metropolitan Virginia area, we explore the impact of school bullying victi...
124 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the usefulness of defiance theory in the explanation of the bullying of siblings in families and peers in schools was investigated, and a vignette-based methodology was used to investigate children's defiant behavior.
Abstract: Bullying is often followed by short-term and long-term undesirable psychosocial consequences. Both victims and perpetrators of bullying tend to have high numbers of physical and psychological symptoms. In order to prevent bullying and its aversive results, it is important to formulate and test theories of bullying. This article investigates the usefulness of defiance theory in the explanation of the bullying of siblings in families and peers in schools. Questionnaires were completed by 182 children aged 11 to 12 in ten primary schools in Nicosia, Cyprus. We followed a vignette-based methodology to investigate children's defiant behavior. Children were given a hypothetical scenario—in which the perpetrator is sanctioned by the parents—and were then asked questions that aimed to investigate defiant or compliant reactions to the sanctions imposed. The type of child in the vignette was experimentally manipulated so that children could make inferences regarding his/her intentionality of wrongdoing. Th...
111 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors found that registered sex offenders are more likely to reside in socially disorganized and disadvantaged communities, but not in locations with large pools of most types of possible victims (e.g., women living alone, children).
Abstract: Recent developments in sanctions for sex offenders emphasize use of sex offender registries and residential restrictions in efforts to raise public awareness and keep offenders away from possible victims. One consequence of such efforts is to relegate registered sex offenders to socially disorganized communities. The present study draws on census tract level data from one urban county and assesses whether offenders are likely to be found in socially disorganized communities and in communities with high concentrations of potential victims. Findings show that registered sex offenders are more likely to reside in socially disorganized and disadvantaged communities, but not in locations with large pools of most types of possible victims (e.g., women living alone, children). Residential location is explained in terms of economic factors, not desire to live near possible victims. Implications for current policies and practices are discussed.
56 citations
TL;DR: Human trafficking is now recognized as a global challenge that requires a global response and most countries have joined as parties to key international instruments designed to prevent and suppress human trafficking, and punish human traffickers.
Abstract: Owning a slave is illegal in all countries, yet modern-day slavery exists around the world and it is known today as human trafficking or trafficking in persons. The form it takes changes as vulnerable people seek work to survive, sometimes migrating far from home. Traffickers in human beings use force, fraud, and coercion to exploit and profit from the forced labor and servitude of men, women, and children in settings such as brothels, factories, agriculture, fishing, and mining. Human trafficking is now recognized as a global challenge that requires a global response and most countries have joined as parties to key international instruments designed to prevent and suppress human trafficking, and punish human traffickers. However, effective prevention, enforcement of laws, and protection and assistance envisioned for victims of human trafficking are not a reality in many countries. As a result many traffickers go unpunished and many victims of human trafficking are not identified and assisted.
45 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors assess routine activities theory via a study of the presence of potential offenders (as measured by the number of registered sex offenders in the area), as well as community and resident characteristics that measure the presence and types of suitable targets and the existence of guardians and guardianship structures.
Abstract: Recent policies enacted regarding sex offenders include the formation of a publicly accessible sex offender registry, community notification, and residential restrictions. Often the motivation behind these policies is to get information out about sex offenders to community members so that these communities can effectively guard against any revictimization by the sex offenders among them. Theoretically, the premise for this type of legislation corresponds to relationships specified by routine activities theory. The theory states that if guardians can interrupt potential offenders as they are preying on suitable targets, these crimes-in-the-making will not occur. The present study assesses routine activities theory via a study of the presence of potential offenders (as measured by the number of registered sex offenders in the area), as well as community and resident characteristics that measure the presence and types of suitable targets and the existence of guardians and guardianship structures. We...
41 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the similarities and differences between victim participation and non-participation in the criminal justice process in the province of Quebec and found that victim participation can take various forms: it can mean an active decision-making role or merely consultation and consideration.
Abstract: Research with crime victims suggests that victims seek participation and recognition in the justice system (Erez, 1999; Kilchling, 1995; Shapland, Willmore, & Duff, 1985; Wemmers, 1996). However, victim participation in the criminal justice system is a point of debate among scholars (Ashworth, 1993; Erez, 1999). Participation can take various forms: it can mean an active decision-making role or merely consultation and consideration (Edwards, 2004; Wemmers & Cyr, 2004). In addition, there is the question of how victims are affected by their participation. While victims in Canada are currently by and large excluded from the criminal justice process, their being outside the system does (to some extent) shelter them from the offender. This raises the question: when is participation helpful or therapeutic for victims and when is it harmful or antitherapeutic? Based on interviews with public prosecutors and victim support workers in the province of Quebec, this study explores the similarities and diffe...
36 citations
TL;DR: The authors examined whether two adult social bonds (marriage and employment) were associated with desistance from delinquent involvement and whether these same bonds are associated with a reduction in the odds of victimization.
Abstract: Research generated from the life-course perspective has consistently documented a curvilinear relationship between age and offending, yet very little research has employed a life-course approach to investigate the relationship between age and victimization over time. We address this gap in the literature by using data from three waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health). Specifically, based on Sampson and Laub's (1993) contention that the presence of adult social bonds decreases the likelihood of criminal activity in adulthood, we examine whether two adult social bonds—marriage and employment—are associated with desistance from delinquent involvement and whether these same bonds are associated with a reduction in the odds of victimization. The theoretical and policy implications of this research are discussed.
32 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors report the findings of an exploratory study that examines cyberstalking incidents as reported in newspapers in order to better understand victimization patterns Several variables are examined including type and frequency of victimization (i.e., behaviors that constitute cyber stalking), the gender of the victim, and the relationship between the victim and the offender.
Abstract: This manuscript reports the findings of an exploratory study that examines cyberstalking incidents as reported in newspapers in order to better understand victimization patterns Several variables are examined including type and frequency of victimization (ie, behaviors that constitute cyberstalking), the gender of the victim, and the relationship between the victim and the offender An application of Roberts and Dziegielewski's (2006) stalking typology is employed to see how well this typology explains offender motive Findings include that females are most likely to be the victims of cyberstalking while males are most likely to be the offenders In most cases, the victim and offender do not have a prior relationship Offender motive for cyberstalking differs from stalking; however, the stalking typology is a good fit for classifying cyberstalking offender motive
24 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored various aspects that might contribute to harm by conducting in-depth qualitative interviews and collecting limited quantitative data on 31 victims who had encountered various processes in the justice system.
Abstract: The literature on victims of sexual violence in the criminal justice system has overwhelmingly pointed to the negative impact of these encounters. This research project sought to explore various aspects that might contribute to harm by conducting in-depth qualitative interviews and collecting limited quantitative data on 31 victims who had encountered various processes in the justice system. Results indicated a wide range of experiences, indicating that no interactions within the system were universally harmful or helpful. Victim experience was shaped by the attitudes and behaviors of specific people within the system demonstrating the importance each individual plays in their official capacity. In the final analysis however, victim satisfaction with the jail term was key to understanding experiences of harm.
22 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the extent to which domestic violence is part of a criminal career is examined, comparing offenders who commit domestic violence as their first criminal act to those for whom domestic violence relationship provides an opportunity for the commission of another type of crime.
Abstract: This paper uses a life-course perspective to examine the extent to which domestic violence is part of a criminal career. Offenders who commit domestic violence as their first criminal act are compared to offenders for whom domestic violence is merely a continuation of a criminal career and for whom the domestic violence relationship provides an opportunity for the commission of still another type of offense. In addition, there is an examination of patterns in offending and reoffending for males and females.
19 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the recidivism of sexual offenders in New Jersey at three different time intervals: three years, five years, and ten years after release from prison was examined, and the results indicated that treated sex offenders maintained decreased nonsexual recidivitis rates.
Abstract: This study examines the recidivism of sexual offenders in New Jersey at three different time intervals: three years, five years, and ten years after release from prison. The sample is comprised of sexual offenders released from the general prison population (untreated sample, n = 150) and the Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center (ADTC) (treated sample, n = 150), a sex offender specific facility. The goals of this study were twofold: (1) to identify the recidivism rates of sexual offenders and to determine whether sexual offenders who receive treatment demonstrate lower levels of recidivism and (2) to examine whether differences in recidivism exist among the varying time frames and offender subtypes. The results indicate that treated sex offenders maintained decreased nonsexual recidivism rates. Additionally, offenders who committed acts of rape and offenders followed up after six years had increased rates of recidivism.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide descriptive information about clergy abusers, including demographics, victim choice, grooming behavior, duration of abusive behavior, and issues related to the reporting of offenses by victims.
Abstract: Child sexual abuse by Catholic priests was recognized as a crisis in 2002, and in response the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) created the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. At the time little was known about clergy abusers, their victims, or the situations regarding their abusive behavior. John Jay College researchers published two reports on the nature and scope of child sexual abuse by Catholic priests that provided descriptive information about this problem (John Jay College, 2004, 2006). This article provides descriptive information about clergy abusers—including demographics, victim choice, grooming behavior, duration of abusive behavior, and issues related to the reporting of offenses by victims. Policy implications are discussed based upon the comparison of clergy to nonclergy abusers. As with child sexual abuse in any population, effective prevention policies are challenging to implement due to the interaction of many variables related to the abuse process.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors systematically review the literature on role reversals in the life-course and present a systematic review of role reversal in the criminal justice system. The term role reversal refers to changes between the roles of offender and victim (a...
Abstract: In this manuscript, we systematically review the literature on role reversals in the life-course. The term “role reversals” in this context means changes between the roles of offender and victim (a...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined 1,865 police-victim encounters from a large-scale observational study in an attempt to better understand the relationship between victim characteristics and police comforting behavior.
Abstract: Research has shown that the nature of interactions with police can impact victim recovery from trauma, satisfaction with police, and cooperation within the criminal justice system. However, evaluations of police effectiveness often view crime prevention as the “bottom line” for successful policing while overlooking the socioemotive factors that are actually important to victims. Drawing on the attributional and blaming literature for conceptual guidance, the present research examines 1,865 police-victim encounters from a large-scale observational study in an attempt to better understand the relationship between victim characteristics and police comforting behavior. The findings indicate that a number of factors affect the likelihood of whether comfort will be offered by police officers to victims. More specifically, female and middle- to upper-class victims were more likely to be comforted by police officers, as were those exhibiting signs of injury or depression. However, those encounters involv...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors introduce a special journal issue that focuses on one of the most enduring debates in criminology: whether individuals who break the law can change their behavior with assistance from professionals in the social service or correctional system.
Abstract: The current paper, and the special journal issue that it introduces, focuses on one of the most enduring debates in criminology: whether individuals who break the law—either as children or adults—can change their behavior with assistance from professionals in the social service or correctional system. A key element of life-course criminology is the notion that “turning points” can be identified throughout offenders' lives that lead them toward—or turn them away from—criminality. The papers in this special issue fill many of the gaps in our knowledge in this important area. The volume includes more traditional research consistent with the “early victimization-later consequences” theme, as well as studies that explore the impact of adult life-course transitions on desistance from crime and victimization.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluated the treatment delivery of ten clinicians who provided treatment to sex offenders under community supervision, and found that treatment providers varied in their use of empirically-supported treatment techniques, their participation in the community containment approach, and their adherence to the treatment contract.
Abstract: In an effort to focus on treatment fidelity in the sex offender field, this study evaluated the treatment delivery of ten clinicians who provided treatment to sex offenders under community supervision. Data collection and analysis involved a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. Results revealed that treatment providers varied in their use of empirically-supported treatment techniques, their participation in the community containment approach, and their adherence to the treatment contract. These findings provide support for the continued study of treatment fidelity in the corrections literature. Implications and future directions are discussed.
TL;DR: An equivocal death investigation should be comprised of an extensive and thoroughly documented analysis of the body recovery scene, the autopsy, the forensic evidence, laboratory tests, and the victimology and behavioral history of the deceased.
Abstract: An equivocal death investigation should be comprised of an extensive and thoroughly documented analysis of the body recovery scene, the autopsy, the forensic evidence, laboratory tests, and the victimology and behavioral history of the deceased Equivocal death analysis is an investigative process that can aid in determining the manner of death by examining existing forensic evidence and the behavioral and psychological history of the deceased Although equivocal death analysis has long been regarded as an effective process that can assist investigators in many cases, it has recently received increased scrutiny from members of the scientific community This scrutiny is likely the result of the limited research and literature that exists on the topic of equivocal deaths and the techniques used to investigate them
TL;DR: This study identified typologies of those who haze and those who receive hazing in terms of offenders and victims and provides some understanding as to the views of college students belonging to these organizations.
Abstract: This study addressed the reality of criminal hazing by college sororities and fraternities in terms of offenders and victims. Specifically, this study identified typologies of those who haze (i.e., offenders) and those who receive hazing (i.e., victims). The data was culled using focus groups at the local and national levels and by review of three years of archived data on the subject. With an increasing level of societal concern being placed on such behavior, this study provides some understanding as to the views of college students belonging to these organizations.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the relevance of abuse history for distinct types of offenders and found that those with a history of victimization tended to have more male victims, began offending earlier in their career, offended for a longer period of time, and were more likely to have a history substance abuse or other behavioral problems than non-victimized clerics.
Abstract: Little research to date has examined the relevance of abuse history for distinct types of offenders. This study compared clerics who were abused in childhood with clerics who were not abused in childhood with regard to victim, offender, and offense characteristics. Findings revealed that clergy with a history of victimization tended to have more male victims, began offending earlier in their career, offended for a longer period of time, and were more likely to have a history of substance abuse or other behavioral problems than nonvictimized clerics. Although prior research has not observed a direct relationship between victimization and future offending, these findings suggest that sexual victimization may play a role in the etiological development of distinct offending patterns.
TL;DR: This paper found that African American adult males in the treatment group exhibited significantly fewer A-level (most serious) disciplinary problems than did their comparison group counterparts, while all other subgroup comparisons did not yield such significant differences.
Abstract: This article follows up on an earlier study that found significant improvements in three of four knowledge and sensitivity factors measured in offenders who participated in an impact of crime on victims “victim awareness” program. The current study investigated behavioral outcomes in a similar study population, namely disciplinary infractions that occurred while participants continued their incarceration. Findings indicated that African American adult males in the treatment group exhibited significantly fewer A-level (most serious) disciplinary problems than did their comparison group counterparts, while all other subgroup comparisons did not yield such significant differences. This result, although limited to one subgroup, remains both interesting and useful given that African American males are typically overrepresented in correctional populations and given the seriousness of the offenses at issue here. Reducing the frequency of serious infractions, and therefore these additional victimizations...
TL;DR: The use of eyewitnesses in criminal investigations and courtroom testimony has been well established in the United States Their usefulness for the gathering of information is often the first step in any criminal investigation when looking for the who, what, when, where, and even the how and why of a crime Their reliability, however, is often called into question as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The use of eyewitnesses in criminal investigations and courtroom testimony has been well established in the United States Their usefulness for the gathering of information is often the first step in any criminal investigation when looking for the who, what, when, where, and even the how and why of a crime Their reliability, however, is often called into question In August of 1995 Allan Gell, 20, was charged in the Superior Court of Bertie County, North Carolina, with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, armed robbery, and conspiracy to commit murder of Aulander resident Allen Ray Jenkins in April of that year The charges against Gell were solely based on the eyewitness account of two teenage females present during the shooting Gell was found guilty and sentenced to death row Upon appeal, Gell was awarded a new trial With a new trial ordered Gell's case was re-examined, especially the use of the physical evidence to support or contradict the original eyewitnesses in the case P
TL;DR: This article examined differences in demographics/socioeconomics, lifestyle, and social support between victimized/non-victimized men, and identified and quantified variables associated with social support.
Abstract: We examined differences in demographics/socioeconomics, lifestyle, and social support between victimized/nonvictimized men, and identified and quantified variables associated with social support. The participants were 520 men and the design cross-sectional. The univariate analyses showed that victims reported higher social support; were more often younger, blue-collar/low white-collar workers; were on student allowances/unemployment; were financially strained; were smokers; and more often had secondary school education than nonvictims. The regressions showed that among victims unemployment and depression were associated with reduced social support; smoking, threatening/aggressive language, and violent threats were associated with increased social support. We may have provided new insights into the social support experiences of victimized men.
TL;DR: In this article, data on homicides in Buffalo, New York are analyzed to demonstrate the importance of "methods triangulation" for assessing the validity of quantitative measures, which are quantitatively operationalized as acts that occur in the offender's community against a nonlocal victim.
Abstract: Data on homicides in Buffalo, New York, are analyzed to demonstrate the importance of “methods triangulation” for assessing the validity of quantitative measures. Defended community homicides are quantitatively operationalized as acts that occur in the offender's community against a nonlocal victim. Poisson models provide strong support for the existence of defended community homicide, which is significantly more common in residentially stable and racially homogenous neighborhoods. However, subsequent qualitative analyses of the victim and offender characteristics and motives of these homicides undermine the “defended community” concept. Qualitative analyses are necessary to assess the validity of quantitative measures in criminological research.
TL;DR: In this article, the analysis of multiple motives in a triple spree homicide committed in a very short time frame is presented, where the primary motivation was robbery and sexual homicide was the secondary motivations.
Abstract: Juries, criminologists, prosecutors, law enforcement officials, and the lay public like to know the motive for a murder—especially when there are unusual features such as multiple victims, extensive injuries, or unexplainable acts to the bodies. However, many times the motive is not readily available from the murderer because he does not confess or he does not consciously know why he killed. The following case describes the analysis of multiple motives in a triple spree homicide committed in a very short time frame. Robbery was the primary motive for the first victim and sexual homicide was the motive for the second and third victims.
TL;DR: In this paper, a double issue focusing on the controversial and critical issues with crime victims in the 21st century is presented, including the crime victim groups that were neglected in the past, including human trafficking victims, hazing victims, bullying victims, cyberstalking, and the effectiveness of restorative justice.
Abstract: Although over 24 million crime victims experience acute crisis episodes and trauma throughout the United States each year, it was not until 1985 that legislation, federal funding, and a federal Office for Victims of Crime were established (Green & Roberts, 2008). The landmark Victims of Crime Act of 1984 led to major federal funding for victim/witness assistance programs as well as victim service programs giving priority to domestic violence and sexual assault victims. This special double issue focuses on the controversial and critical issues with crime victims in the 21st century. This includes the crime victim groups that were neglected in the past—human trafficking victims, hazing victims, bullying victims, cyberstalking, and the effectiveness of restorative justice.