News Releases

Survey Shines First Light On Stalking And Identity Theft
USM Muskie School Releases New Research on Crime Victimization in Maine

March 16, 2007

Editor's Note: For more information, contact Mark Rubin, USM Muskie School of Public Service, (207) 780-5843 or Denise Lord, Maine Department of Corrections, (207) 287-4386.

Portland, ME - While property crime remains the top offense among crime victims, stalking and identity theft are close behind, according to a new report released today by the Maine Statistical Analysis Center at the USM Muskie School of Public Service.

The first-ever Maine Crime Victimization Report also includes new data on the rates of crime victimization, the characteristics of victims and offenders, and how Mainers perceive crime and safety in their communities. The report is free and available to the public online at http://muskie.usm.maine.edu/justiceresearch/ or by calling the USM Muskie School at (207) 780-5843.

In August and December of 2006, 802 Maine adults were surveyed to get a better understanding of the nature and extent of crime victimization in Maine.  "This survey provides a much clearer picture of crime in Maine by getting the perspective of the victims themselves," said report author Mark Rubin and research analyst at the Muskie School. "This data teaches us more about the nature and extent of such serious, and often unreported offenses as stalking, identity theft and rape." Key findings include:

* Most Mainers feel safe in their communities and that local law enforcement performs well. Ninety-five percent report feeling safe in the community where they live, and eighty-five percent say they are never, or almost never fearful, of being the victim of a violent crime. Sixty-six percent view law enforcement performance in their communities as good or very good.

* The highest victimization rates are for property crimes, stalking and identity theft. In the previous 12 months, fifteen percent of respondents report being victimized by property crime; twelve percent report being the recipient of unwanted behavior, which may constitute stalking, and ten percent report being victimized by identity theft.

* Domestic violence is more prevalent than any other violent crime. Three percent of respondents report being victims of domestic violence, which includes assault, marital rape and threatening by a family member in the previous 12 months.

* Nearly one in five (eighteen percent) said they were the victim of rape or attempted rape in their lifetime.

* Many victims don't report the incident. Almost half (forty-nine percent) who are victims of a violent crime say they reported the incident to local law enforcement.

* Respondents married or living with a partner report lower victimization rates. Single, divorced or widowed respondents report victimization at higher rates than respondents who are married/living with a partner (forty-one percent to twenty-eight percent, respectively).

The survey and report were guided by two advisory groups, representing individuals and organizations known for their expertise in victimization issues, and funded by the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault, the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence, the Maine Criminal Justice Commission, the Maine Department of Corrections, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, the Maine Department of Public Safety, the Maine Juvenile Justice Advisory Group, Maine Task Force - Project Safe Neighborhoods, the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance and Bureau of Justice Statistics, and Volunteers of America Northern New England.

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