Poster #192 - Sexual Victimization and Homicide: Exploring Typologies and Justice Outcomes

• In Event: ASC Poster Session I

Abstract

Understanding the link between sexual victimization and homicide is crucial for improving justice outcomes and informing policy. Despite known connections, research in this area remains limited, especially regarding how these cases are handled by the criminal justice system. This project investigates two research questions: (1) What are the victim, offender, and case characteristics associated with different sexual violence-related homicide typologies? and (2) How do these characteristics influence case outcomes, such as clearance by arrest? Using data from the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), a comprehensive dataset that includes detailed incident-level data reported by law enforcement agencies nationwide, this poster outlines the patterns and trends in sexual violence-related homicides, and bivariate and multivariate findings related to how victim, offender, and incident characteristics are associated with case clearances. Data limitations and potential policy implications are also discussed.

Authors

• Keera Stelmak, DePaul University

• Megan Alderden, DePaul University