Age and gender differences and predictors of victimization of the older homeless

    Authors

    T. L. Dietz;J. D. Wright

    Comments

    Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at STARS@ucf.edu

    Abbreviated Journal Title

    J. Elder Abuse Negl.

    Keywords

    homeless; victimization; elderly; aging; predictors; ELDER ABUSE; RISK-FACTORS; NEGLECT; DEMENTIA; COHORT; ADULTS; HEALTH; Family Studies; Gerontology

    Abstract

    Using data from the National Survey of Homeless Assistance Providers and Clients (NSHAPC) and an application of Felson's Routine Activities Theory, this paper examines gender and age differences in victimization experiences of a sample of more than 4,200 homeless and near-homeless people, mostly adults. Results suggest that there are no differences in victimization experience by homelessness status and that the negative relationship between age and victimization rates found in the general population is also found in the homeless population. However, the relationship is relatively weak and erratic, suggesting that homeless older adults who are at least 50 years old are at increased risk of becoming victims, a finding consistent with Routine Activities Theory. In addition, similar to research with other populations, younger homeless males are statistically more likely to report being victims of theft and physical assault while females of all ages are more likely to report being victims of sexual assault. However, for older homeless adults, the gender difference in likelihood of victimization disappears. Perhaps because older homeless women are labeled as easy targets, they were equally as likely as men to be victims of physical assault and theft in old age. This is also consistent with Routine Activities Theory.

    Journal Title

    Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect

    Volume

    17

    Issue/Number

    1

    Publication Date

    1-1-2005

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    37

    Last Page

    60

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000235431200003

    ISSN

    0894-6566

    Share

    COinS