This article presents the research methodology and results of a project that examined the prevalence and characteristics of victimization among first-semester students of two urban Hispanic-Serving Institutions.
Victimization is associated with compromised psychosocial functioning and educational attainment, but research has yet to investigate the victimization experiences of students who attend Hispanic-Serving Institutions, specifically, to inform programming and services. This study examines the prevalence and nature of victimization (i.e. non-sexual interpersonal victimization, stalking, contact and non-contact sexual victimization, property victimization, identity theft, and familial abuse) among a cohort of 2,388 first-semester students from two urban HSIs. Similar to previous research, 41 percent of students experienced victimization prior to enrollment and 24 percent experienced multiple types of victimization. Notably, 27 percent of students experienced at least one type of victimization since enrollment, with 13 percent experiencing multiple types of victimization and one-third of victims experiencing repeat victimization. Differences in risk for victimization since enrollment emerged across race and ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, campus residence, and employment status. Overall, victimization incidents were more likely to occur off-campus and be perpetrated by non-university affiliated individuals. The presence of a weapon and victim injury were uncommon. The findings speak to the experiences of students at urban HSIs, and results related to risk and nature of victimization incidents should be used to inform prevention efforts and support services at urban HSIs. (Published Abstract Provided)