Risk Factors and Victimization of Indigenous Women: An Evaluation Using True Crime Podcasts

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Abstract

The increased popularity of true crime podcasts has increased the visibility of certain groups vulnerable to crime. Indigenous women make up a small portion of the populations in Canada and the US. Many of these cases are not well investigated or taken seriously because of the marginalized status of the victims. The cases of missing and murdered indigenous women have been elevated by the podcast medium. These podcast series and episodes delve into the lives of the victims, looking at a whole life perspective of multiple risk factors that may have made them vulnerable to victimization. Addressing these multiple factors weaves a thin line between understanding and victim-blaming. The purpose of this research is to understand how podcasts focused on these women’s stories can understand risk factors without blaming the victim for their own victimization. This understanding can lead to prevention of future missing and murdered indigenous women.

Author

• Candace Griffith, Augusta University