Gender, Age and Victimization Risk Among Missing Persons

The purpose of this study was to examine the risk of victimization among missing persons and the ways in which gender and age shape this relationship. From a sample of 1,847 missing persons reports, multiple logistic regression was used to estimate victimization risk when missing, disaggregated by gender and age group and including vulnerability factors (i.e., the reasons for victimization risk). Results reveal that female missing persons compared to males and children/youths compared to adults had significantly increased odds of victimization risk. Vulnerability factors statistically significantly associated with victimization risk for females compared to males and children/youths compared to adults included transientness, victimization experiences (e.g., domestic violence, human trafficking), going repeatedly missing and mental health concerns. The findings suggest that victimization risk for missing persons varies along gender and age lines. This study contributes to the literature addressing the paucity of studies that apply exposure and opportunity theories to understand victimization risk when missing split by demographic characteristics. Thus, its novelty lies in advancing the victimology literature to the study of missing persons, and in discovering nuances in the relationship between victimization risk and going missing.