Does Crime Hurt Differently? Female and Male Realities of Victimization in the NCVS 2023 Data

The main objective of this study is to understand and analyze whether there are differences in victimization experiences between women and men based on the 2023 National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS). Routine Activities Theory is used as an analytical lens to examine these differences within their social contexts. In this framework, this quantitative study aims to identify five interrelated dimensions of a crime incident: injury, offender characteristics, self-protection, police response, and the effects of crime on the victim. According to findings, women are more frequently exposed to sexual violence within private or familiar environments. On the other hand, men are more likely to encounter violence in public spaces. Additionally, offenders are strangers in men cases. Women are more likely to ask for help and tell the police about what happened. But men are more likely to keep quiet, not tell anyone they were hurt, and keep the emotional effects to themselves. The psychological and social effects of being a victim are different for men and women. These numbers show that gender and everyday routines are effective on victimization.