Unpacking the Developmental Overlap between Victims and Offenders

• In Event: Posters II

Abstract

Contrary to public opinion, criminologists have documented similarities among criminal victims and criminal offenders. Previous studies have found that victims and offenders share a certain set of similarities. Despite the public health relevance of understanding the etiology of crime and victimization, only a relatively small body of research has aimed to understand overlap between victims and offenders, and the majority of these studies have relied narrowly on Western samples. Moreover, there has been little investigation of theoretical backgrounds to explain this overlap. Using five waves from Korean youth panel data, the current study employs latent growth modeling to examine the relationship between violent victimization and violent offending. Results find that the overlap between victim and offender exists among Korean youths and identify important risk factors related to this link. Discussions for future research and limitations are addressed.

Authors

• Yeungjeom Lee, University of Florida

• Jihoon Kim, University of Florida