Victimization and Offending: An Intersectional Look at the Reciprocal Associations

Previous studies on the victim–offender relationship have largely ignored the intersectional and distinct lived experiences of various identity subgroups. Thus, we pose the research question: Do the reciprocal associations between victimization and offending vary across gendered, racial, and ethnic lines? To address this question, we examine the reciprocal associations between direct and vicarious victimization with offending between Black, Latine, and white females and males utilizing the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods (PHDCN) data [ n = 1,344; 52% female, 34% Black, 51% Latine, and 16% white; mean age of 13.9 years]. We employ a series of bootstrapped cross-lagged maximum likelihood regression analyses. In the full sample, direct victimization leads to later offending, and previous offending leads to later direct and vicarious victimization. We find, however, previous offending is associated with both forms of victimization for males, but only with vicarious victimization for females. When looking at males by race and ethnicity, these associations hold for white males and Latinos (marginally) but are not significant for Black males. And, surprisingly, no associations are significant for any racial or ethnic subgroup for females. Our findings lend empirical support for the need of comparative and intersectional research to truly understand disparities in victimization and offending. Understanding these different gendered and racialized pathways is crucial for developing targeted prevention and intervention strategies that address the specific needs and challenges faced by individuals of varying backgrounds. This research can contribute to more equitable and effective approaches in preventing victimization and reducing offending behavior.