Resisting crime: The effects of victim action on the outcomes of crimes

Author: Tark J / Kleck G
Publication: Criminology
Topics: Self-defense Gun Use/Deterrence
Keywords: CRIME Injury Victim resistance
Bibliographic information +

The authors examined the effect of victim self-protection during criminal incidents on the frequency of three outcomes: property loss, victim injury, overall serious injury, using data from the National Crime Victimization Survey from 1992 to 2001. Injury followed self-protection in only 10% of the incidents. Compared to lack of resistance, self-protection reduced the likelihood of property loss and injury. Victim resistance appears to be generally a wise course of action.