NCJ Number
210031
Date Published
2005
Length
81 pages
Annotation
This report presents key findings of the Australian component of the 2004 International Crime Victimization Survey (ICVS).
Abstract
The survey was conducted between August and November 2004 and proceeded in two phases. The first phase involved a community sample of 6,000 respondents, and the second sample focused on 1,000 migrant respondents. Questions focused on experiences of criminal victimization and perceptions of crime. Compared with the results of the 2000 ICVS, victimization rates have declined in Australia. Fifty-two percent had experienced at least one crime incident during the 5 years prior to the 2004 survey, down from 55 percent in 2004. Twenty-nine percent of respondents experienced one or more personal crimes, which included assaults and threats, robbery, and personal theft. The likelihood of being a victim of personal crime was higher for individuals who were unmarried, had relatively higher income, resided at the current residence for less than 1 year, were unemployed, or had an active lifestyle outside the home in the evenings. Indigenous people and those speaking only English at home had a greater likelihood of assaults and threats. Thirty-nine percent of all households experienced at least one burglary, attempted burglary, motor vehicle theft, theft from a motor vehicle, motorcycle theft, or bicycle theft. Forty-five percent of those victimized over the 5-year period experienced more than one type of crime. Being male was the only sociodemographic characteristic that increased the likelihood of being a repeat victim of personal crime. Data are also presented on respondents' perceptions of personal safety, the reporting of crimes to the police, and crime prevention activities. Policy implications of the findings are drawn for crime prevention, repeat victimization, unreported crime, and fear for personal safety. 22 tables, 17 figures, and 26 references