Understanding Predictors of Violent and Non-Violent Crime Victimization Among Asian-American/Pacific Islanders

• In Event: An Exploration of Asian-American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) Victimization Research in Criminology and Criminal Justice Sciences

Abstract

Violent and non-violent crime victimization targeting the Asian-American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) community has increased exponentially since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. While many Americans exhibited anti-Asian sentiments and behaviors before the pandemic, mainstream media historically has not focused on crimes committed against the AAPI community. In fact, few have examined AAPI crime victimization generally, and violent and non-violent crime victimization more specifically. Given this gap in the literature, the proposed study sought to examine the factors predicting (1) AAPI reporting of crime victimization generally, as well as (2) violent and non-violent crime victimization more specifically. Using a sample of 16,868 AAPI individuals in the 2019 National Crime Victimization Survey, this study examined whether various aspects of routine lifestyle behaviors, target suitability, and capable guardianship predicted self-reported crime victimization. The findings revealed that respondents’ age, education level, and willingness to report crimes to the police were significantly associated with being a victim of a crime generally. Additionally, respondents’ age, activity at the time of the incident, self-protective actions, and distance from home were significant predictors of violent crime victimization. The implications of this analysis for our understanding of AAPI victimization and anti-Asian racism and violence will be discussed in detail.

Authors

• Jin Lee, George Mason University

• Yongjae Nam, Michigan State University

• Hannah H. Tessler, Yale University