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Criminal Victimization: Lifetime Prevalence, Reporting to Police, and Psychological Impact

Benjamin E. Saunders

Lois J. Veronen

Connie L. Best

Judith M. Von

A sample of 391 adult females were interviewed about lifetime criminal victimization experiences, crime reporting, and psychological impact. In total, 75% of the sample (n = 295) had been victimized by crime, and 41.4% of all crimes were reported to the police. Reporting rates differed by crime type. Burglary had the highest reporting rate (82.4%); and sexual assault the lowest (7.1%). Of all crime victims, 27.8% subsequently developed posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Major implications are the following: Prevalence rates are extremely high and reporting rates are low. The prevalence of PTSD indicates that crime has both an immediate and long-term psychological impact. Suggestions for improved victim services are discussed.

Crime & Delinquency, Vol. 33, No. 4, 479-489 (1987)
DOI: 10.1177/0011128787033004005


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