Factors increasing the risk of victimization among persons with activity limitations

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The research identifies a number of factors that contribute to a higher risk of criminal victimization among persons with disabilities. Those with disabilities may have a reduced ability to defend themselves and greater vulnerability and dependence on others, which can make them easier targets for potential perpetrators (Baylor College of Medicine, 2009; Dube, 2007; Cohen et al., 2006; Reid, 2004; Health Canada, 2004; Nosek et al., 2001; Marley and Buila, 2001; Pain, 1997). There are also certain factors and characteristics that are associated with an increased risk of victimization in general that have been found to be more common among persons with activity limitations (Baylor College of Medicine, 2009; Brownridge, 2006; Cohen et al., 2006; Rioux et al., 1997). Results from the General Social Survey (GSS) and Participation and Activity Limitation Survey (PALS) revealed that persons with disabilities experienced higher rates of unemployment and lower median family incomes ($19,199, compared to $27,496).¹ Those with disabilities were also more likely to report having used medication to treat depression² (13% versus 4%).

In 2004, those who reported having used medication to treat depression experienced a violent victimization rate that was almost double that of those who had not (192 versus 102). Likewise, the rate for persons with annual household incomes under $15,000 was 156 compared to 106 for the population as a whole. However, the rate for persons with activity limitations and incomes under $15,000 was much higher (242), suggesting that low household income might have a greater impact on this segment of the population.

When all of these factors were considered along with other risk factors³ through a multivariate analysis (logistic regression), two key findings emerged.

First, although age was the most significant risk factor for the population as a whole, its effect was even greater for persons with disabilities. Persons with a disability in the 15 to 24 year age group had odds of being victims of violence that were 11 times higher than those aged 55 and over. By comparison, persons without limitations in the 15 to 24 year age group had odds of victimization that were 5 times higher than those aged 55 and over (See Appendix 1).

Secondly, the multivariate analysis revealed that even when risk factors were all taken into account, the odds of being a victim of violent crime were 89% higher for persons with activity limitations compared to persons without limitations.

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Notes

1. According to 2006 Participation and Activity Limitation Survey data. For more details on the situation of persons with disabilities, see Statistics Canada, 2006.
2. According to 2004 General Social Survey data. Depression was determined based on the answer to the question "During the past month, have you used medication or drugs, to help you get out of a depression?" To take account of the effects of victimization, persons who said they had "suffered depression or an anxiety attack" following a victimization incident were not counted among those suffering from depression. Depression might also be considered as an activity limitation.
3. The risk factors are those established in Gannon and Mihorean (2005), i.e. age, sex, marital status, household income, occupation and number of evening activities. Since activity limitations are more frequent among natives and less frequent in Quebec, those two factors were also included.