Guardians at risk: Understanding the victimization of South Korean probation officers using lifestyle–routine activity theory

Despite increased interest in the risk factors for assault in the correctional system, related research has primarily focused on the predictors of violence and fear in carceral settings, such as prisons and jails, while largely neglecting the challenges faced by officers supervising offenders in the community. Guided by a lifestyle–routine activity theory approach, this study aims to expand our understanding of the risk factors for physical assault, verbal abuse, and fear of victimization among probation officers in South Korea. Analyzing data gathered from a sample of 536 probation officers, the findings reveal that several guardianship measures such as adequate safety and health measures within the organization, effective hierarchical communication, and protection against disciplinary sanctions significantly protect officers from assault and the fear of being attacked by clients. However, we observe mixed findings regarding the influence of officers’ routines (e.g., the supervision of juvenile offenders) and vulnerability characteristics (e.g., gender, age, rank) on actual abuse versus the fear of victimization. This study initiates an important conversation regarding the situational characteristics of probation work environments and yields critical evidence to inform policymaking and safety protocols.