Specifying the role of alcohol in predatory victimization

Abstract

Alcohol's role in violent and predatory crime is a subject of frequent study among scholars. Generally, research finds that as alcohol consumption increases, so does the likelihood of suffering a personal attack. However, it is not just the act of drinking that increases the likelihood of violent behavior or the risk of victimization. Contextual factors are also presumed to be important. Lasley's (1989) research has elaborated on how drinking behaviors are related to predatory victimization. His research has provided important findings, but there is still room to expand our understandings. The present paper utilizes more specific and detailed measures of drinking lifestyles and endeavors to illustrate the role of alcohol (and other illegal drugs), related lifestyle behaviors, and status characteristics regarding the risk of predatory, violent victimization.