CRIME VICTIMIZATION AMONG INJECTION-DRUG USERS

This study uses routine activity theory to examine violent and propert y crime victimization among a sample of 308 injection drug users (IDUs ). We estimate prevalence rates and identify factors that contribute t o the victimization of IDUs. The findings suggest that victimization r ates of IDUs were much higher than rates found for the general urban p opulation. Generally, crime involvement did not contribute significant ly to victimization risk. Use of crack-cocaine increased the likelihoo d of property crime victimization whereas heroin use decreased the pro bability of both violent and property crime victimization. Other drug lifestyle activities (i.e., waiting in uncomfortable situations to buy drugs) also affected victimization risk. Finally, the results suggest that victimization differed by age and by gender, despite controls fo r drug use and drug lifestyle activities. Explanations for these resul ts are offered.