Focusing on the Few: Repeat and Serious Offending and Victimization

• In Event: ISRD Panel 1 New Insights: A Glimpse into the Forthcoming ISRD4 Book on Youth Crime in a Digital World

Abstract

Addressing a longstanding critique of school-based self-report surveys, this presentation explores the capacity of the ISRD4 study to capture serious and repeated instances of offending and victimization among youth. The analysis employs versatility and incidence scales to differentiate between casual and severe offending behavior. Central to this analysis is the identification of repeat offenders and repeat victims, as well as those who experience both roles repeatedly. The study utilizes follow-up qualitative measures embedded within the survey to gauge the seriousness of reported crimes, from aggravated assaults to persistent cyberbullying and online hate crimes. Methodological insights are provided on how the overlap between repeat victimization and offending is studied, including discussions on the benefits and limitations of variable-centered versus person-centered approaches in highlighting clusters of high-risk individuals.

The presentation further examines cross-national variations in the frequency and intensity of serious crimes, revealing distinct patterns influenced by cultural, economic, and social factors. It also critically evaluates how response integrity measures contribute to a more accurate portrayal of repeat and serious delinquency, addressing underreporting and social desirability bias. This presentation underscores the need for refined survey techniques and robust analytical methods to inform effective youth crime prevention strategies on an international scale.

Authors

• Chris Birkbeck, Salford University

• Janne Kivivuori, University of Helsinki