The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #52043

Heather Baltodano, MA, Michelle L. Bopp, BS, Jewel S. Goodman, MPA, Suzanne J. Wood, MS, and Stacey B Plichta, ScD. College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, 129 Spong Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529, (757)480-0978, heatherbaltodano@hotmail.com

Purpose:This study seeks to examine children's fear of victimization and to explore factors related to those fears. Method: The data are from the National Youth Victimization Prevention Survey (1992-1994), a nationally representative sample of 2000 children ages 10-16. Questions were asked about fears of different types of victimization (being beaten up, molested, kidnaped, shot with a gun), as well as experiences of actual victimization, witnessing violence, and demographic characteristics. Results: 23% of children had high fear of victimization. Girls were more likely to fear molestation, and boys were more likely to fear being beaten up. A logistic regression model found that girls, children in poverty, children in two-parent households, and children that experienced victimization were significantly more likely to have a high fear of victimization. Other factors were controlled for (race, age, geographic region, and degree of urbanization), but were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Children should not have to live with a high degree of fear. There is clearly a need for comprehensive and collaborative community planning and policy implementation strategies that address individual risk factors, strengthen families, and promote social cohesion.

Learning Objectives: Purpose

This study seeks to examine children's fear of victimization and to explore factors related to those fears. Method
The data are from the National Youth Victimization Prevention Survey (1992-1994), a nationally representative sample of 2000 children ages 10-1
• Questions were asked about fears of different types of victimization (being beaten up, molested, kidnaped, shot with a gun), as well as experiences of actual victimization, witnessing violence, and demographic characteristics. Results
  23% of children had high fear of victimization. Girls were more likely to fear molestation, and boys were more likely to fear being beaten up. A logistic regression model found that girls, children in poverty, children in two-parent households, and children that experienced victimization were significantly more likely to have a high fear of victimization. Other factors were controlled for (race, age, geographic region, and degree of urbanization), but were not statistically significant. Conclusions
  Children should not have to live with a high degree of fear. There is clearly a need for comprehensive and collaborative community planning and policy implementation strategies that address individual risk factors, strengthen families, and promote social cohesion. At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to
  • Articulate historically significant findings that contribute to children's fear of victimization. 2.Identify significant factors that influence children's fear of victimization. 3.Assess policy recommendations stemming from relevant findings of this study.

  Keywords: Children and Adolescents, Safety

  Presenting author's disclosure statement:
  I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

  Committee on Affiliates Student Poster Session

  The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA