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Methods for Counting High-Frequency Repeat Victimizations in the National Crime Victimization Survey

NCJ Number
237308
Author(s)
Janet L Lauritsen; Jennifer Gatewood Owens; Michael Planty; Michael R. Rand; Jennifer L. Truman
Date Published
April 2012
Length
40 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes the research results and describes changes in the Bureau of Justice Statistic's (BJS's) enumeration practices regarding the treatment of series victimizations when estimating annual victimization rates.
Abstract

Examines the nature and extent of series victimization in the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS). This technical report assesses the general patterns of victims' responses to being asked, "How many times did this type of incident occur?" and provides data on how reports of high-frequency repeat victimizations have changed over time. It describes how different procedures for counting series victimizations would affect estimates of the level and annual rate of change in victimization for various crime types and incident characteristics. The report also describes how BJS will change its counting practices for estimating annual victimization rates in future reports.