"Victim-to-Perpetrator Relationships and Types of Crime in Developmenta" by Amoxtli Justice Nox

Date of Conferral

1-20-2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Andrea Goldstein

Abstract

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) are more likely to be victimized and abused than their nondisabled peers, though not much is known about the main perpetrators of this population or the crime types most often committed against them. The purpose of this study was to explore the intersecting victimization risks for adults with IDDs. Guided by critical disability theory, this nonexperimental correlational study explored the relationship between the perpetrators and their IDD adult crime victims, established the crime types most often committed against them, and possible gender differences within victimization. Archival data from the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) were analyzed. Over half (57.6%) of IDD victims knew their attackers, with most crimes committed against IDD adults comprising theft (49.2%), burglary (17%), assault (10%), verbal threats (7.7%), and assault without a weapon or force (6.7%). Pearson correlation analysis revealed that the perpetrator’s relationship to the victim and the type of crime committed against them have a moderately high, statistically significant positive correlation (r = .468, p =<.001). Close relatives are the main perpetrators of assault, and those who are further removed (e.g., friends, coworkers, roommates, or extended family) are the main perpetrators of theft. Female victims tend to know their offenders significantly more often than male victims. Lastly, the chi-square test of independence showed that rape, robbery, assault, verbal threats, burglary, and theft were all statistically significant when moderating for victim gender. Recommendations include interventions aimed at educating those with IDDs about healthy boundaries, safety planning, victim support services, and healthcare services.

Download

Share

 
COinS