Demographics and Risk Factors

Case 1

Craig was raised without a father, but his mother, Donna, a strong Christian woman,

always loved her son. Because Donna was a single parent, Craig was often left with

babysitters while she worked two jobs or was involved in her prison ministry. When the

babysitter could not be there on some days, Donna’s neighbor Steve, who worked from

home, would take him and not charge her. Donna was always grateful for the extra help

and in return baked bread and pies for Steve. What Donna did not know, of course, was

that Steve was molesting and raping Craig, who was 6 years old. Craig could not tell his

mother of his terror of going to Steve’s house because Steve warned him that if he ever

told anyone, Steve would kill the puppy that was living in his home. Little Craig loved

that puppy, so he never told. At age 11, Craig began setting fires that escalated over the

years. At age 13, he was raped by a 26-year-old male. Craig engaged in other crimes,

including stealing a police car at age 15, impersonating a police officer, sexually

assaulting a 12-year-old boy, prostitution, theft, and burglary. He took trophies from his

favorite fire crimes by going to the crime scenes at night looking for anything he could

add to his collection. Eventually, he was apprehended and confessed to the fires and

went to prison for several years. He is now back on the streets and has had

considerable difficulty keeping jobs for more than a few months. Craig is determined not

to return to prison. He currently resides with his aging mother.

What demographics and risk factors (e.g., acute, direct, proxy, short, and long-term) are involved that may have contributed to the person becoming a victim or offender?

How are the demographics and risk factors for becoming a criminal or victim related? How are they similar and/or different?

How might the demographics and risk factors vary in a country other than the United States?

If an individual reflects the data supporting the likelihood of becoming a criminal or victim, does that guarantee the outcome? Explain your rationale. Your post should be substantial (1 paragraph or more for each bullet point above), supported with scholarly evidence from your research and/or the Learning Resources, and properly cited using APA style.