Clarifying the Pathways to Polyvictimization: The Role of Parental Criminality

Abstract

Polyvictimization, an individual’s experience of multiple types of victimization, has been of increasing interest in victimology over the past decade. Several studies have been conducted to examine the consequences of polyvictimization, but comparatively less attention has been paid to the risk factors for polyvictimization. Based on its relationship with offending and based on work highlighting the family as a salient context of victimization, the present study will focus on one particular potential risk factor: parental criminality. Using data from the National Survey of Adolescents, the thesis tests whether there is a relationship between parental criminality and polyvictimization. It also tests whether gender moderates that relationship, as little research has tested gender differences in risk of polyvictimization. Logistic regression models demonstrate a significant relationship between parental criminality and polyvictimization, but do not support the hypothesis that gender moderates the relationship.