NCJ Number
180798
Date Published
1999
Length
25 pages
Annotation
Based on findings of the International Crime Victims Survey (ICVS) from 1988 through 1995, this paper discusses urban victimization rates across the world as well as efforts to empower crime victims.
Abstract
Globally, over a 5-year period, two out of three inhabitants of big cities are victimized by crime at least once. The chances of being victimized by serious contact crimes (robbery, sex crimes, or assault) are one in five. Risks for most crimes are highest in the urban areas of Latin America and (sub-Saharan) Africa, and lowest in Asia. The risks of victimization by any crime are universally higher for young people. Results of the authors' analyses of the correlates of crime at the macro level confirm conventional criminological thinking about the importance of employment and social welfare policies for the prevention of serious crime. Two out of three burglary victims report their victimization to the police. Fewer than one in three female victims of violence do so. Reporting is particularly low in Asia and Latin America. Standards for victim empowerment of the United Nations Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power are not sufficiently implemented. The lack of confidence in the police implies that crime victims often have no authority to which to turn and thus feel alienated. Few victims who report to the police receive specialized help; half of reporting victims would have welcomed such help. Clearly, there are many unmet needs among the many victims of crime, especially among female victims of violence. Findings from an evaluation of the effects of better treatment of victims by the police, prosecutors, and the courts show that victims who have been treated better by the police have a more positive attitude toward them and the system in general; they are also more inclined to feel an obligation to respect the law. 5 tables, 25 references, and 11 notes