Victimization and Fear of Crime on Campus: Differences between Native American and non-Native American College Students

• In Event: Posters I

Abstract

Previous research regarding fear of crime and victimization among college students has been almost exclusively focused on racial differences between “White” and “non-White” college students. There is no research to date regarding what, if any, differences there are between Native American and non-Native American college students. In this study, results from the Campus Crime and Victimization Survey (CCVS) are presented that address this serious dearth in the extant research. The survey was designed to measure college students’ fear of crime, victimization, and use of self-protective behaviors on campus. The CCVS was administered to college students at a medium-sized rural school that services a large population of Native American students. Findings from the survey regarding victimization differences between Native American and non-Native American college students will be presented. Results indicated significant differences between these two groups in terms of sexual, physical, and property victimization. Moreover, student victimization had a significant impact on students’ fear of crime on campus. Policy implications and suggestions for future research will also be presented.

Author

• Amy L. Proctor, Northeastern State University