Investigation and research of up to date issues currently being experienced by victims of crime.
Objective
Current Victim Issues
To perform research on current victim issues that, in turn will lead to a better understanding of the problems facing victims. This research will provide important information as to what can be done to enhance existing regulations and/or bring to light new difficulties that victims may be facing, and what can be done to improve these situations.
Indicator
Victimization And Gang Membership
This study will increase the understanding of crimianl victimization and gang membership. FActors will be identified that account for differential rates of victimization between gang members and non-gang members. Data will be collected using face to face interviews at oneof the local state prisons.
Criterion
Survey Completion Rate
Using face to face interviews, the Institute will collect 100 gang member and 100 non-gang member interviews at one of the local state prisons.
Finding
Data Analysis
Using the data collected from the interviews, analysis will be performed to identify the motivations for joining a gang. The analysis will also attempt to identity the characteristics of gang membership which may increase the likelihood of victimization, and the contexts in which victimization of gang members is most likely to occur.
Indicator
Elder Abuse
Research on the topic of elder abuse will provide state specific insight into the risk and factors for such victimization and the context in which it may occur. An understanding of the nature, incidence and prevalence of this issue will be investigated.
Criterion
Review Of Data
This study will use data collected form the 2005 and 2006 Adult Crime Victimization surveys performed by the Crime Victims’ Institute. This report will investigate the criminal victimization of those survey respondents in the State of Texas age 60 or older.
Finding
Summary Of Findings
Among 280 respondents age 60 or older, 22.5% had been the victims of a personal or property crime in the previous year. Though these are relatively small numbers of victims, the results are thought to be serious underestimates of the real extent of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Indicator
Achieving An Altered State Of Consciousness Without The Aid Of Alcohol Or Drugs
Investigation of a method of achieving an altered state of consciousness without using alcohol or drugs will endeavor to better understand how widespread this practice is and who is doing it. The results from this study should impact the design of prevention programs and better inform others about the dangers of this activity,
Criterion
Data Collection
A survey instrument will be developed. An email introducing the project will be sent to undergraduate students at SHSU with a link which when clicked will take them to the survey. A consent process will be in place as well as age related questions which will not allow anyone under the age of 18 to take the survey. Participants will be informed that they may leave the survey at any time and have the option to skip questions. Encryption will be in place so that no identifying information (including IP addresses) can be identified ensuring anonymity. Other college undergraduate students may also be surveyed with IRB approval from each college and/or university.
Finding
Prevention And Awareness
This study is designed to better understand who has participated in this activity, in what contexts, methods used and the reasons for involvement. Additionally, knowledge regarding the methods used, and adverse consequences will be analyzed. The results will produce a better understanding of this practice and lead to the development of prevention and awareness programs.
Indicator
Intergenerational Transmission Of Intimate Partner Violence
Using the 2007 Crime Victims’ Institute statewide survey the focus of study will be on the intergenerational transmission of intimate partner violence. Not everyone who witnesses violence in the home while growing up will become a perpetrator or a victim.
Criterion
Data Analysis
Analysis will be performed on the data collected from the 2007 Crime Victims’ Institute statewide survey.
Finding
Increase Understanding
It is hoped that the findings will increase understanding of the conditions and situations that lead to intimate partner violence. The findings of this study will lead to constructive ways to both prevent and assist those persons who are victims of intimate partner violence.
Action
Strategies
The Crime Victims' Institute will endeavor to be well-versed in new and emergent research methods and technologies available to excel with data collection and explore and mke inquiries into obtaining datasets relative to a project that may already exist through another entity. Obtaining existing datasets would allow the Institute to expand upon or investigate the information from another perspective. Recommendations and strategies will be identified to inform policymakers and stakeholders to better assist crime victims. The findings of these studies will lead to constructive ways to both prevent and assist those persons who are victims of crime.
Goal
Service To Crime Victims
To provide information to policymakers, stakeholders, law enforcment and victim service agencies that will improve service to victims of crime.
Objective
Inform Policymakers And Stakeholders
To develop recommendations based on research that will inform state and local policymakers as well as other stakeholders regarding the needs and concerns of crime victims in the State of Texas.
Indicator
Research
The Crime Victims’ Institute will endeavor to perform research that is of high importance to a variety of crime victims. This research will allow for possible changes in policies or suggestions that would benefit not only those who are victims but also those who work with victims.
Criterion
Publications
Based on the data collection, analysis and development of the findings, research publications will be produced through the Crime Victims’ Institute. These publications will increase the awareness of many types of victimization.
Finding
Recommendations Of Findings
Publications will report the findings of the research being done. These findings will result in recommendations within the publication. This creates a service to crime victims by bringing relevant issues to the forefront.
Indicator
Victimization And Gang Membership
This study will increase the understanding of crimianl victimization and gang membership. FActors will be identified that account for differential rates of victimization between gang members and non-gang members. Data will be collected using face to face interviews at oneof the local state prisons.
Criterion
Survey Completion Rate
Using face to face interviews, the Institute will collect 100 gang member and 100 non-gang member interviews at one of the local state prisons.
Finding
Data Analysis
Using the data collected from the interviews, analysis will be performed to identify the motivations for joining a gang. The analysis will also attempt to identity the characteristics of gang membership which may increase the likelihood of victimization, and the contexts in which victimization of gang members is most likely to occur.
Action
Distribution Of Research Publications
Research publications produced by the Crime Victims’ Institute will be distributed to the Texas State Legislature, Advisory Board Members and other stakeholders with the State of Texas.