The Intersection of Victim Demographics and Service Seeking

• In Event: Victim Service Seeking in Illinois

Abstract

Victims who identify as a member of a marginalized group (e.g., racial/ethnic minorities, sexual minorities, non-native English speakers) may engage in different help-seeking behaviors. Specifically, they may be less likely to report their victimization to police or to seek help from other formal systems. Data from InfoNet, an online database with domestic violence (N=50,000) and sexual assault (N=7,000) client information, will be used to explore the intersection between victim demographic characteristics and victim contact with members of the criminal justice system and medical community. Specifically, we will explore how reporting to police varies by race or ethnicity, English proficiency, and sexual orientation or gender identity. We will also examine the use of orders of protection across different marginalized groups. Furthermore, we will present research on the utilization of medical professionals following victimization and how this utilization may differ by victim demographic characteristics. This study has important implications for victimization researchers, as well as criminal justice and medical system professionals who service victims from marginalized groups.

Author

• Amanda Vasquez, University of Illinois at Chicago