Understanding Non-Violent Victimization on a College Campus: Using a Multi-Method Approach to Preventing Non-Violent Crimes

• In Event: Issues in Property Crime

Abstract

College campuses are generally safe places to live, work, and study. Many of the crimes that are reported by the media and other reporting agencies tend to focus on violent crimes, however, students, faculty, and staff are more likely to become a victim of a property crime on campus than other victimizations. This research focuses on the main undergraduate campus of a southern university. A short victimization survey was distributed to students, faculty, and staff whose school/college/unit are based on the undergraduate campus (3 in total), to ask about non-violent victimization on the campus, including the parking lots. In addition to the survey, space analysis was conducted by walking through the main buildings and noting areas that could increase the likelihood of theft or vandalism. Parking lots are evaluated during the day and evening hours to determine areas of concern. The purpose of the research is to help create a crime prevention and awareness program focused on theft and vandalism.

Authors

• Elizabeth Eisner, Augusta University

• Candace E. Griffith, Augusta University