Victim and third-party reporting of violent victimization to the police in incidents involving victims with disabilities

Abstract

Objectives: Reporting an incident to police is a key event in the criminal legal process. The current study centers types of disability and how this may shape victim and third-party reporting while considering well-known correlates. Methods: Using the National Crime Victimization Survey (2016–2020), the current study examines police reporting in incidents involving victims with disabilities compared to victims without disabilities. This study not only considers whether the victim reported, but also third-party reporting to the police. We also explore the reasons why individuals with disabilities did not report incidents to police. Results: Incidents involving victims with cognitive disabilities were less likely to be reported to the police by the victim. There were no statistical differences in third-party reporting for any of the forms of disability considered. Notably, in incidents involving both Deaf/Blind victims and victims with physical disabilities, victims were more likely to cite perceptions of police ineffectiveness as a reason for not reporting. In incidents with victims with physical or cognitive disabilities, fear of reprisal from the offender was a more salient concern. Conclusions: This study underscores the importance of examining the victimization experiences of marginalized populations and their willingness to engage with the criminal legal system.