Geographic disparities in who receives victim services

Abstract

This study uses data from the National Crime Victimization Survey to examine
geographic variations in the receipt of victim services for victims of violence. Research has long demonstrated that there are differences in victimization risk and who is victimized across different regions and by urbanicity. Examination of these differences when it comes to victim services has not been previously examined on a national level. Findings show that geography does matter in the likelihood of receiving services, especially for victims of serious violence, and even after controlling for other factors related to the use of victim services. The implications of the findings, possible explanations for the geographic differences, limitations of the study, and opportunities for future research are discussed.