NCJ Number
161018
Journal
Contemporary Drug Problems Volume: 22 Issue: 3 Dated: (Fall 1995) Pages: 435-451
Date Published
1995
Length
17 pages
Annotation
Data from a study conducted in Miami during 1988-90 were used to examine the hypotheses that crack- related crime among women is less often restricted to sex- for-crack or money exchanges than was previously believed and that it is expanding to levels and types of crime once reserved for men.
Abstract
The purposive but demographically diverse initial sample consisted of 699 crack and other cocaine users. Half were interviewed while in residential; half were interviewed on the street. The interviews lasted 40-60 minutes and focused on drug use, criminal activities, and background and socioeconomic characteristics. The analysis focused on a subsample of 387 crack users. Results were consistent with other studies revealing that levels of criminal activity among female crack addicts may be approaching levels of their male counterparts. In addition, prostitution is only one of several criminal activities committed by crack-using women, rather than their most common crime. The data also revealed substantial differences in criminal activity between women on the street and women in treatment. Findings suggest that the street-sample women may be a special subsample of crack users who have a longer history of drug use and crime with no involvement in drug treatment. Tables, note, and 39 references