Property Crime Victimizations in Childhood: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Property crime victimization in childhood, while apparently widespread, has been little studied. This article provides an exploratory analysis of data regarding the property victimization of children, with a focus on identifying both the common and unique features of such victimization and examining the long- and short-term impact of such experiences. Using a retrospective survey, college students reported on their property crime victimizations during three separate periods of childhood—elementary school, middle school, and high school. Data indicate that childhood property victimization is substantial (nearly universal in fact) and that the effects of such victimization are not insignificant.

Keywords::

• Property crime victimization
• childhood victimization
• theft
• retrospective studies