Other health factors and their links with victimization

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Other health factors are also linked to higher rates of violent victimization. In particular, McNutt et al. (2002) noted that spousal violence was associated with poor eating habits, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Again, according to McNutt et al., 26% to 75% of women victims of spousal violence (depending on the severity of the violence) also suffer health problems.

According to what was found in 2004, overall, persons who stated they were in poor or average health¹ reported about 40% higher rates of violent victimization than those who reported being in good health. When considering differences among age groups, the proportion was between 75% and 110% higher for those who were in poor or average health compared to those who were in good health (Chart 3). However, it should be noted that poor or average health is not associated with higher rates of victimization for persons with activity limitations. Their rates of victimization were similar regardless of their health status.

Chart 3 Rates of violent victimization by self-reported health status, for persons without disabilities

It is difficult to determine to what extent health problems precede or are as a result of violence. On the one hand, poor health can increase a person's vulnerability, as it may also be the consequence of a life style or environment that not only increases the risk of health problems, but also the risk of victimization (Lehrer et al., 2006). On the other hand, victimization may also be a source of stress and anxiety favouring the development of health problems (Alasker et al., 2006; Demaris and Kaukinen, 2005; Brokaw et al., 2002; Lown and Vega, 2001).

Poor health status is not only associated with higher victimization rates. As Moore and Shepherd (2007) found, those who report being in poor health also report higher levels of fear. Results from the 2004 General Social Survey (GSS) revealed that 32% of those who reported being in poor health said they were fearful when home alone after dark, 20% stayed home in the evening because they did not feel safe outside and 14% said they were dissatisfied with their personal safety in general. Among persons who stated they were in excellent health, these proportions were 16%, 6% and 4% respectively.

The GSS identified a number of additional health factors that were related to higher victimization rates. For example, rates of violent victimization among those with sleep disorders were higher than those who did not report sleep problems (190 compared to 86 per 1,000). Similarly, rates were higher for those who used sedatives compared to those who did not (179 compared to 102 per 1,000) and those who used antidepressants compared to those who did not (192 compared to 102).²

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Notes

1. Health status is provided by the response to the question: "In general, would you say your health is excellent, very good, good, average or bad?" In Chart 3, good health includes persons who answered "excellent", "very good" or "good". Persons with activity limitations were also excluded.
2. Persons who stated they had suffered "depression or an anxiety attack" following a victimization incident were excluded from the count of persons using antidepressants.