Title

Age And Gender Differences And Predictors Of Victimization Of The Older Homeless

Keywords

Aging; Elderly; Homeless; Predictors; Victimization

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. © 2005 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

Publication Date

12-1-2005

Publication Title

Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect

Volume

17

Issue

1

Number of Pages

37-60

Document Type

Review

Personal Identifier

scopus

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.1300/J084v17n01_03

Socpus ID

33644996815 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/33644996815

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