NCJ Number
100098
Date Published
1985
Length
11 pages
Annotation
These findings of the Canadian Urban Victimization Survey (CUVS) indicate the incidence of criminal victimization of the elderly, the nature and consequences of such victimization, and the attitudes of the elderly toward crime and the police.
Abstract
The CUVS surveyed a random sample of 61,000 residents 16 years old or older regarding criminal victimizations between January 1 and December 31, 1981. Crimes targeted by the survey were sexual assault, robbery, assault, break and enter, motor vehicle theft, theft of household property, theft of personal property, and vandalism. Compared to other age groups in the seven urban centers surveyed (Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, St. John's, and Halifax-Dartmouth), the elderly were rarely victims of the crimes measured. Victimization consequences for the elderly, however, were more severe than for younger victims. The elderly feared victimization more than any other age group. The elderly were less likely than the young to have heard of and to have participated in community crime prevention programs. They did not rate the police highly on supplying crime prevention information, but they were favorable toward the police handling of their particular cases. The elderly were more likely than younger age groups to report their victimizations to the police. 11 data tables, survey methodology, definitions, and limitations.