Patterns of Help-seeking Strategies in Response to Personal and Household Victimization

• In Event: Facilitators and Barriers to Help-Seeking In Response to Victimization

Abstract

The victim's report to the police is not only an act of significant solicitation for assistance but also a crucial action that formally request invistigation of criminal justice agencies. Recognizing this importance, prior studies heavily focus on factors influencing the victim's decision to report to the police. However, filing a police report is just one among various heterogeneous solicitation for assistance or acts of help-seeking available to victims. In reality, victims engage in diverse and heterogeneous efforts for recovery and self-protection, such as counseling, treatment, comfort and support from family or friends, asking for apologies and restitution demands from perpetrators, among others. Previous research, however, has overlooked efforts of victims beyond police reporting or actions for recovery. Acknowledging these limitations of prior research, this study aims to analyze patterns in victims' diverse and heterogeneous choices of solicitation for assistance or acts of seeking redress. Particularly, considering the recent increase in single-person households, this study also analyzes how changes in household types affect victims' choices in soliciting assistance and seeking recovery actions.

Author

• Ji Hyon Kang, University of Ulsan