Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2009

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MA

College

Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Sociology and Anthropology

Committee Chair

Karen Weiss

Abstract

This paper explores the differences why violent crime victimizations are not being reported to the police. Using 2006 National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) data compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics, I develop and test cross-tabulation models which explain the influence age, sex, and victim/offender relationship has on the reporting of violent victimizations to the police. Previous research shows that victimizations involving males and juveniles are less likely to come to the attention of the police Results of my analysis support this research and show that older victims ages 26 and older are significantly more likely to report violent victimizations than younger victims ages 25 and under. Sex of the victim had no impact on whether or not crimes were reported to the police. Also, the relationship the victim has with the offender is significantly associated with the reason why these victims chose not to report the violent crime to the police. Males were more likely than females to state the reason for not reporting a violent crime is because it was minor, while females are more likely to state that the reasons they did not report a violent victimization was because of fear of reprisal. These findings are important to help address the reasons why victims may seek help from the police.

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