May 2015 Web Final

Dear Dr. Crime: I watch the news and get scared of the hate, anger, and violence in our world. Is our
world as dangerous as the news reports suggest? Fearful Fellow
Dear Fearful:
I wish I had a clear and simply answer, but statistics do not allow it. If you are one of the victims
in an inner city it is a different world than those living in gated communities. Let us look at it two
ways. The US Bureau of Justice Statistics[i] tells us that the most recent national victimization survey
(2013) found that kids over age 12 had an estimated 6.1 million violent victimizations and 16.8 million
property victimizations. But that was a small decline after a couple years of increase. Since 1993,
the rate of violent crime has declined from 79.8 to 23.2 victimizations per 1,000 persons age 12 or
older. Also, a United Nations study[ii] reports that more people die from homicide than in wars.
Their data was from 88% of the world population.
Also the nature of the criminal acts will make your blood boil. Darkness to Light reports that :
400,000 children are sexually abused each year. That means that 1 in 10 children faces the horror of
sexual abuse before their 18 birthday.
90% of victims are abused by someone they know and trust.
60% are acquaintances like teachers, neighbors, or community leaders.
30 % are immediate or extended family.
Only 10% are strangers to the child.
Many sexually abused children suffer trauma severe enough to negatively impact their adult lives.
They are 3x more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol.
They are 2x more likely to drop out of school.
Even necrophilia[iii] and bestiality remain crime issues. This is not a uniformly wonderful world.
Dear Dr. Crime: How do I find national statistics about drug abuse? Teacher
Dear Teacher. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) compiles the total number of
drug-related deaths through their National Vital Statistics System. In addition, the Substance Abuse
and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) produces a drug-related mortality report using
data from their Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN).
Dr. Crime is a pseudonym for a social scientist that holds a
Ph.D. degree in sociology and in criminology. He has worked
in all major parts of the criminal justice system. Drop him a
note in care of this paper if you wish or email him at
drcrime@keepkidshome.net if you child is in “trouble”.
Phone # :
252-489-8667
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