Disparities In Victimization Research Articles

Peer Bullying Victimization Trajectories for Sexually and Gender Diverse Youth from Early Childhood to Late Adolescence

Sexually and gender diverse (SGD) youth experience more peer bullying victimization than heterosexual, cisgender youth during adolescence, yet the emergence and persistence of these disparities remain underexplored. Also, it is unclear which factors are associated with these disparities across development, and how these disparities are linked to late adolescent health discrepancies. This study utilized the sample from the Millennium Cohort Study in Britain (N = 10,080; 51.3% assigned female at birth; Mage = 2.28, SDage = 0.46 at Wave 2), in which 23.74% of youth reported non-heterosexual attraction, 21.59% reported non-heterosexual identity, and 1.08% reported gender identity not in line with the sex assigned at birth. Using latent class growth modeling, four peer bullying victimization trajectories were identified, with early peak (7.2%), late childhood peak (6.3%), adolescence onset (12.8%), and low (73.6%) rates of victimization. SGD youth, compared to heterosexual and cisgender youth, were found to have increased odds of being in the victimization-involved classes, especially the adolescence onset class. The study further revealed that SGD youth reported more mental health and relational difficulties in childhood, which were linked to their heightened risk of longer-lasting victimization. Further, long-term victimization was found to partially account for the disparities in health and well-being for SGD youth in late adolescence. In conclusion, SGD youth were more likely to experience longer-lasting bullying victimization during childhood and adolescence, its related mental and relational vulnerabilities were already established in childhood, and such victimization disparities were further linked to their detrimental health and well-being in late adolescence. The design, hypotheses, and target analyses of the current study were preregistered on 21st April 2023 at https://osf.io/f2zxy.

Exploring potential determinants of sexual victimization disparities among young sexual minoritized people: A mixed-method study.

Exploring potential determinants of sexual victimization disparities among young sexual minoritized people: A mixed-method study.

Dating violence victimization disparities across sexual orientation of a population-based sample of adolescents: An adverse childhood experiences perspective.

Dating violence victimization disparities across sexual orientation of a population-based sample of adolescents: An adverse childhood experiences perspective.

Association between race, shooting hot spots, and the surge in gun violence during the COVID-19 pandemic in Philadelphia, New York and Los Angeles

Gun violence rates increased in U.S. cities in 2020 and into 2021. Gun violence rates in U.S. cities is typically concentrated in racially segregated neighborhoods with higher poverty levels. However, poverty levels and demographics alone do not explain the high concentration of violence or its relative change over time. In this paper, we examine the extent to which the increase in shooting victimization in Philadelphia, New York, and Los Angeles during the 2020–2021 pandemic was concentrated in gun violence hot spots, and how the increase impacted race and ethnic disparities in shooting victimization rates. We find that 36% (Philadelphia), 47% (New York), and 55% (Los Angeles) of the increase in shootings observed during the period 2020–2021 occurred in the top decile of census block groups, by aggregate number of shootings, and that the race/ethnicity of victims in these gun violence hot spots were disproportionately Black and Hispanic. We discuss the implications of these findings as they relate to racial disparities in victimization and place-based efforts to reduce gun violence.

Sexual assault and harassment (SAH) victimization disparities between sexual minority and heterosexual Chinese youth

AbstractSexual assault and harassment (SAH) has become an increasing global concern that disproportionately impacts gender and sexual minority youth, yet research is scarce outside Western nations. In addition, sexual assault and sexual harassment are closely related experiences in both academic inquiries on sexual victimization and public discussion in the global #Metoo movement. Drawing from a large Chinese college student sample (N = 50,818), we investigated the prevalence of SAH victimization during childhood, adolescence, and emerging adulthood, as well as the SAH disparities between sexual minority and heterosexual youth. The population‐weighted prevalence of SAH victimization was estimated to be 20.23% during childhood, 42.87% during adolescence, and 21.87% during emerging adulthood, with more than half of the youth (55.41%) having ever experienced any SAH. Logistic regression results suggested girls and sexual minorities were disproportionally impacted across childhood, adolescence, and emerging adulthood. The discussion is framed in the context of Chinese culture and current Chinese legislation related to SAH.

Confluence of law enforcement, mental health, and race

Disparities in victimization by law enforcement for both people of color and individuals with mental health disorders is gaining national attention following the deaths of George Floyd, Sandra Bland, TAmir Rice, and many others. Despite this, the discussion around the intersectionality of race, psychiatric illness, and law enforcement is still in its infancy, the purpose of this article is to discuss the confluence of race and psychiatric illness as vulnerabilities in various contacts with law enforcement in order to further highlight this issue and to ignite further needed research on this topic. Possible solutions such as police-hiring practices, bias training, and trauma-informed policing will be discussed.

Does a Decade of School Administrator Support for Educator Training on Students' Sexual and Gender Identity Make a Difference for Students' Victimization and Perceptions of School Climate?

Professional development training for school personnel on issues related to sexual and gender identity (i.e., SOGI training) is a school strategy designed to prevent health and educational disparities for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth at school. Yet we know surprisingly little about how the presence of this practice at school affects students' experience. This study explores whether students' experiences of victimization and school climate vary as a function of school administrator support for SOGI training at two time points (2004 and 2014). We combined multiple independent databases: students' reports on victimization and school climate in 2013-2015 (n = 55,158), and school (n = 152) and school district data (n = 67) on support for SOGI training in 2004 and 2014. More positive school climates were found in schools with support for SOGI training in 2004 only and both 2004 and 2014 compared to schools with SOGI training support in 2014 only. In schools with support for SOGI training in both 2004 and 2014, LGBT students reported the lowest rates of victimization. Findings from this study provide evidence that support for SOGI training by school administration is an effective way to improve school contexts for LGBT and all students. School administrators who aim to reduce victimization disparities for LGBT students and improve school climates should support the implementation of SOGI training, and sustain such training over time.

Interpersonal Violence Among Heterosexual and Sexual Minority Youth: Descriptive Findings From the 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System

Interpersonal violence is pervasive among youth in the United States. Sexual minority youth are disproportionately impacted. Utilizing data from the 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBS, N = 12,868), this study describes the disparities in victimization among heterosexual and sexual minority youth. Sexual minority status was operationalized to include nonheterosexual identity (e.g., bisexual) and/or behavior (e.g., reporting same- and different-sex partners). Other predictors included sex (male/female), a sexuality*sex interaction term, age, and race/ethnicity. Outcomes included lifetime forced sexual intercourse and 12-month incidence of sexual violence, physical violence in relationships, sexual violence in relationships, in-school bullying, and cyberbullying. Approximately 15% (n = 1,974) of participants were classified as sexual minority youth and 48% (n = 6,213) self-identified as female. More than half (56%, n = 7,190) identified as racial and/or ethnic minorities. In bivariate logistic regression, sexual minority youth were significantly more likely to report all outcomes (p < .001). In multivariable logistic regression, sexual minority and female youth were significantly more likely to report all outcomes (p < .001). With the exception of physical violence in dating, sexuality*sex interaction terms were significant predictors for all outcomes (p < .001), indicating that the risks associated with sexual minority status are heightened for male youth. This study concludes with a call for more attention toward violence among and against sexual minority youth. Although some prevention and response efforts address the unique needs and experiences of these youth, particularly antibullying initiatives, efforts to address sexual and dating violence often emphasize heterosexual contexts and communities.

Bullying and Cyberbullying among LGBQ and Heterosexual Youth from an Intersectional Perspective: Findings from the 2017 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey

ABSTRACT While LGBTQ youth may be victims of bullying at greater rates than heterosexual youth, research examining in-school bullying and cyberbullying victimization disparities through an intersectional framework is limited. Using the 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, the present study examined the prevalence of in-school bullying and cyberbullying victimization across sexual orientation, gender, race, and grade (N = 13,567). Results position sexual minority youth at higher odds of experiencing in-school bullying and cyberbullying than heterosexual youth and show that bisexual youth were more likely than gay/lesbian youth to be cyberbullied. Findings from intersectional analyses show within-group variation in bullying victimization across sexual orientation based on gender, grade, and race. Specific intersectional results and implications for in-school bullying and cyberbullying prevention and intervention efforts are discussed.

At the Margins: Comparing School Experiences of Nonbinary and Binary-Identified Transgender Youth.

Transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming (TNG) young people are a diverse group, including young people with gender identities beyond the gender binary. Whereas nonbinary youth experience disparities in victimization and mental health, school belonging, support, and resources have not been well described. We conducted an online survey of TNG young people (ages 12-22) in Wisconsin to assess school belonging, safety, support, and resources. We compared responses among participants with nonbinary versus binary identities using mulvariate analysis of variance, multivariate analysis of covariance, chi-square and logistic regression analysis. A total of 287 TNG young people met inclusion criteria (average age 18.2 ± 2.5 years). More than 40% of participants identified as nonbinary. Nonbinary participants were less likely to be out to teachers, but more likely to utilize supportive staff as a resource compared to binary-identified TNG peers. There were no significant differences in school safety and belonging. Most school experiences do not vary significantly between TNG young people with binary versus nonbinary gender identities, though nonbinary young people are less likely to be out at school. Future research should examine factors that impact whether nonbinary young people share their gender identity and access school support services.

Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Sexual Harassment in the United States, 2018

This study was designed to assess racial/ethnic disparities in victimization from sexual harassment and assault by sex in the United States, and to assess racial/ethnic differences in depression/anxiety as a consequence of sexual harassment or assault, among those victimized. In January 2018, the organization Stop Street Harassment led a nationally representative online survey regarding lifetime experiences of sexual harassment and assault with women and men aged 18+ (N = 2,009). We used sex-stratified multinomial logistic regression models to assess racial/ethnic differences in (a) self-reported victimization from these sexual abuses and (b) depression/anxiety due to these abuses among those reporting victimization. Eighty-one percent (81%) of women and 43% of men reported victimization from sexual harassment (27% and 6% indicating sexual assault, for women and men, respectively). Among those reporting harassment or assault, 30.8% of women and 19.8% of men reported depression or anxiety as a consequence. We found no significant racial/ethnic disparities in victimization from sexual harassment or assault among women, although an insignificant trend of increased risk for harassment was seen for Hispanic relative to White women (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.95, 3.99). Black relative to White men had lower odds of reporting sexual harassment (AOR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.30, 0.93), and Hispanic relative to White men had higher odds of reporting sexual assault (AOR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.06, 4.45). No racial/ethnic differences were observed for women or men in likelihood of depression or anxiety as a consequence of this abuse. These findings highlight the ubiquity of sexual harassment and assault, especially for women, with increased risk for Hispanics relative to Whites. In addition, findings demonstrate mental health effects of these types of abuses regardless of sex and race/ethnicity. Broad social change is needed to support prevention and intervention efforts with intersectional and trauma-informed approaches.

Victimization Disparities Between Heterosexual and Sexual Minority Youth From Ages 9 to 15.

Mental health disparities between heterosexual and sexual minority youth are partly explained by the higher rates of victimization experienced by sexual minority youth. The onset and progression of these victimization disparities, however, are poorly understood. Using multirater longitudinal data, trajectories of victimization starting at age 9 were compared among youth who did and did not report same-sex attraction at age 15 (N=310). Self and teacher, but not primary caregivers, reported victimization was significantly higher among sexual minority youth starting at age 9, but did not vary across time. The findings underscore the importance of understanding homophobic experiences of sexual minority youth during late childhood and early adolescence in order to inform prevention programs.

Race, Ethnicity, Risky Lifestyles, and Violent Victimization

Empirical studies have established that Blacks and Hispanics are two of the most violently victimized racial/ethnic groups in the United States, but the mechanisms that underlie these disparities in victimization risk are not well understood. This study tests a mediation model developed from criminal opportunity theories that may explain the disparities. Using data from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods, the results show that Black and Hispanic adolescents were twice as likely as their White counterparts to be violently victimized, and these disparities remained after controlling for demographic characteristics and prior victimization. As to the hypothesized sources of these disparities, there was mixed evidence regarding the mediation model. Although risky lifestyles were significantly related to violent victimization and eliminated all disparities between Black and White youth, they failed to eliminate victimization disparities between Hispanics and White youth. The implications of these findings are discussed in light of theory and victimization prevention.

Indicators of Victimization and Sexual Orientation Among Adolescents: Analyses From Youth Risk Behavior Surveys

We used nuanced measures of sexual minority status to examine disparities in victimization and their variations by gender, age, and race/ethnicity. We conducted multivariate analyses of pooled data from the 2005 and 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Surveys. Although all sexual minorities reported more fighting, skipping school because they felt unsafe, and having property stolen or damaged at school than did heterosexuals, rates were highest among youths who identified as bisexual or who reported both male and female sexual partners. Gender differences among sexual minorities appeared to be concentrated among bisexuals and respondents who reported sexual partners of both genders. Sexual minority youths reported more fighting than heterosexual youths, especially at younger ages, and more nonphysical school victimization that persisted through adolescence. White and Hispanic sexual minority youths reported more indicators of victimization than did heterosexuals; we found few sexual minority differences among African American and Asian American youths. Victimization carries health consequences, and sexual minorities are at increased risk. Surveys should include measures that allow tracking of disparities in victimization by sexual minority status.

Elevated Risk of Posttraumatic Stress in Sexual Minority Youths: Mediation by Childhood Abuse and Gender Nonconformity

We examined whether lifetime risk of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was elevated in sexual minority versus heterosexual youths, whether childhood abuse accounted for disparities in PTSD, and whether childhood gender nonconformity explained sexual-orientation disparities in abuse and subsequent PTSD. We used data from a population-based study (n=9369, mean age=22.7 years) to estimate risk ratios for PTSD. We calculated the percentage of PTSD disparities by sexual orientation accounted for by childhood abuse and gender nonconformity, and the percentage of abuse disparities by sexual orientation accounted for by gender nonconformity. Sexual minorities had between 1.6 and 3.9 times greater risk of probable PTSD than heterosexuals. Child abuse victimization disparities accounted for one third to one half of PTSD disparities by sexual orientation. Higher prevalence of gender nonconformity before age 11 years partly accounted for higher prevalence of abuse exposure before age 11 years and PTSD by early adulthood in sexual minorities (range=5.2%-33.2%). Clinicians, teachers, and others who work with youths should consider abuse prevention and treatment measures for gender-nonconforming children and sexual minority youths.

Childhood Gender Nonconformity: A Risk Indicator for Childhood Abuse and Posttraumatic Stress in Youth

Childhood gender nonconformity has been associated with poorer relationships with parents, but it is unknown if childhood gender nonconformity is associated with childhood abuse or risk of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in youth. We examined whether gender nonconformity before age 11 years was associated with childhood sexual, physical, and psychological abuse and lifetime risk of probable PTSD by using self-report questionnaire data from the 2007 wave of the Growing Up Today Study (n = 9864, mean age = 22.7 years), a longitudinal cohort of US youth. We further examined whether higher exposure to childhood abuse mediated possible elevated prevalence of PTSD in nonconforming children. Finally, we examined whether association of childhood gender nonconformity with PTSD was independent of sexual orientation. Exposure to childhood physical, psychological, and sexual abuse, and probable PTSD were elevated in youth in the top decile of childhood gender nonconformity compared with youth below median nonconformity. Abuse victimization disparities partly mediated PTSD disparities by gender nonconformity. Gender nonconformity predicted increased risk of lifetime probable PTSD in youth after adjustment for sexual orientation. We identify gender nonconformity as an indicator of children at increased risk of abuse and probable PTSD. Pediatricians and school health providers should consider abuse screening for this vulnerable population. Further research to understand how gender nonconformity might increase risk of abuse and to develop family interventions to reduce abuse risk is needed.