Examining the Association Between Adult Entertainment Locations and Female Victimization

• In Event: Victimization in Context: Community and Cultural Factors

Abstract

Certain types of businesses are associated with higher rates of neighborhood violence. Many studies focus on places related to alcohol consumption, but few have examined other outlets associated with vice, namely adult entertainment. Of those that do, they overlook the potential impact of these types of places on the victimization of women specifically. Research has shown that frequenters of adult entertainment establishments often have substance abuse problems, anger issues, and histories of child mistreatment and intimate partner violence. This suggests that neighborhoods where these outlets are prevalent may also have higher rates of domestic violence and female victimization. Therefore, in this study, we investigate the association between the location of adult entertainment businesses, including strip clubs, sex toy shops, and video stores, and female victimization in a large West coast city. By identifying the potential association between adult entertainment locations and female victimization, this study might contribute to the development of more effective crime prevention strategies aimed at controlling areas and protecting vulnerable populations, particularly women.

Authors

• Yuna Kim, University of South Florida

• Lyndsay Boggess, University of South Florida