Sex and Violent Crime: A Multilevel Analysis of Male and Female Perpetrated Violent Offenses using NIBRS

• In Event: Factors Influencing Female Offending and the Gender Gap

Abstract

Recently, research has suggested that the gap between male and female perpetrated violence is narrowing, with more women committing violent crime. However, the differences and similarities between these male and female violent offenders, and the nature of these differences, represent a relatively underexplored topic in criminology. For instance, it is unclear whether or how community characteristics such as concentrated disadvantage interact with victim, offender, or incident characteristics to shape differences between male and female perpetrated violence. Developing an understanding of which characteristics are predictive of a female offender, and if community characteristics impact men and women differently, is necessary in order to address the problem of violent crime. To contribute to this literature, the current study explores the differences and similarities between male and female perpetrated violent crime using data from the 2012-2013 National Incident Reporting System (NIBRS) in a multilevel context. The analysis will allow for the elucidation of differences between the characteristics of male and female perpetrated violence, considering the differential impact of victim, offender, incident, and structural factors. Practical implications and directions for future research will be discussed.

Authors

• Kyleigh Clark, University of Massachusetts Lowell

• Jason Rydberg, University of Massachusetts Lowell