Citation

Kunst MJ, Bogaerts S, Wilthagen T, Winkel FW. Soc. Indicators Res. 2010; 95(1): 169-180.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s11205-009-9456-3

PMID

19966916

PMCID

PMC2788094

Abstract

Violent victimization may have many short-term psychological and physical outcomes. Occasionally, the negative aftermath of violence persists over time or induces other and more far-reaching consequences. Income attainment after victimization is one of these outcomes. To date, previous studies have focused on the income effects of violent victimization during childhood and adolescence. Violence exposure during the early stages of the life course may frustrate processes of educational and occupational attainment and consequentially result in lower income levels. However, in addition or alternatively, many other and age-independent pathways between violent victimization and income may be suggested. Prior studies appear to have paid little attention to this issue. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to explore whether violent victimization is associated with income levels several years after victimization, irrespective of the age at which victimization occurs. Victims of violence were recruited through the Dutch Victim Compensation Fund. To preliminary estimate the effect of violent victimization on income, a comparable control group of non-victims was composed. The study sample contained 206 victims and 173 non-victims. Both bivariate correlational and multivariate statistical techniques suggested that violent victimization is a significant predictor of income. Implications of the presented results were discussed with regard to future research and policy practice.

Language: en