Violent Victimization and the Routine Activities/Lifestyle of Active Drug Users

Abstract

The present study examines violent victimization among a sample of active drug users. Two theoretical perspectives are combined to form the underlying conceptual framework of the study: One draws upon routine activities/lifestyle theory and the other incorporates the street addict role theory. While routine activities/lifestyle theory addresses victimization in general, the street addict role theory explains the specific lifestyle characteristics of an active drug abuser which are relevant to the victimization of illicit drug users. We find the prevalence of violent victimization to be high. Approximately 22% of respondents reported being victimized within a 30 day period. We also find support for combining the two perspectives to help explain violent victimization. Demographic, personal networks, drug use, and street business domain factors are associated with violent victimization for this high risk population. Our study extends the investigation of violent victimization among illicit drug users by identifying characteristics that differentiate drug users who are recent victims of violence from others who have not been similarly victimized.