Work

Examining reporting and risk-avoidance intentions among residents of high-crime neighborhoods: results from a city-wide survey experiment

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objectives Examine how offense severity and victim–offender relationship shape intentions to report violence and engage in avoidance behaviors among residents of high-crime neighborhoods. Methods A 2×2 factorial survey experiment was embedded in a community survey of 220 adults from nine high-crime St. Louis, MO neighborhoods. Logistic regression models estimated vignette effects on reporting and avoidance intentions. Results Firearm presence increased intentions to contact police and community workers and avoid risk. Simple assaults by strangers were more likely to be reported to police than those by acquaintances. Respondents expressed willingness to report to police and family or friends, but not community workers. Findings reveal gendered help-seeking and the significance of police legitimacy. Conclusions Results add nuance to discussions of victimization responses and highlight the need for victim services tailored to high-crime contexts. Future research should examine additional reporting, risk-avoidance, and protective responses to better understand how individuals navigate victimization.

Source: Journal of Experimental Criminology

DOI: 10.1007/s11292-026-09739-3

Authors: Paige E. Vaughn, Matt Vogel

Institutions: University of South Carolina, University at Albany, State University of New York

Language: English

Topic: Crime Patterns and Interventions

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Gender equality, Good health and well-being, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,090