Street Crime Victimization Among Homeless Adults: A Review of the Literature

ABSTRACT

This article reports the current state of scientific knowledge concerning specific forms of street crime victimization affecting homeless adults, ages 18 or over. This interdisciplinary systematic review examines 33 studies that provide some degree of insight into the nature of victimization occurring within the homeless milieu. Findings indicate that the homeless are subject to disproportionate rates of distinct categories of common crime, including assault, robbery, and theft. When viewed through the theoretical lens of lifestyle–exposure theory, the present study’s data demonstrates that certain homeless subpopulations endure increased risk of predatory crime. Implications for future research and public policy are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• homelessness
• victimization
• violence
• street crime
• lifestyle-exposure theory

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.