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Explaining Black-White Differences in Homicide Victimization

NCJ Number
241770
Journal
Aggression and Violent Behavior Volume: 18 Issue: 1 Dated: January/February 2013 Pages: 125-134
Author(s)
Celia C. Lo; Rebecca J. Howell; Tyrone C. Cheng
Date Published
February 2013
Length
10 pages
Annotation
After comparing Black and White Americans on their risk for becoming homicide victims, this article examines whether and how multiple disadvantages at both the macro and micro level contribute to Black American's disproportionately high risk for becoming a homicide victim.
Abstract
Evidence suggests that homicide victimization is associated with six demographic, social, and lifestyle factors: being male, African-American, young, of low socioeconomic status, without adequate social support, and being mentally ill or a substance user. This article identifies sources of multiple disadvantages that lead to racial differences in homicide victimization; and it explains mechanisms that link this phenomenon to distal and proximal risk and protective factors at several life stages that generally differ for Black and White Americans. The authors first show the vital role age has in homicide victimization, as youth and young adults are disproportionately at risk for being homicide victims. Given this finding, the study limits its focus to homicide victims ages 15 or older. Next, drawing on several disciplines, the authors present theoretical explanations of homicide victimization as a negative consequence of violent crime and also as a public health problem. Then, a multiple disadvantage model is presented that accounts for Blacks' much higher likelihood of homicide victimization compared to Whites. Black homicide victims are also relatively young when victimized compared to White homicide victims. Evidence is presented that tends to support the model. The article concludes with recommendations for future research and a discussion of policy implications. Policy recommendations derived from a literature review are to reduce racial segregation and the structural disadvantages characteristic of Black communities; to improve Blacks' education and employment opportunities, especially in communities of concentrated disadvantage; and to develop public-health programs that serve Blacks by improving access to health care/treatment for mental and substance-use disorders. 1 table, 1 figure, and 140 references