Victims' Vulnerabilities

Offenders may target victims with specific vulnerabilities to commit the crimes in a crime pattern.  Noting similarities in victim vulnerability can help you link crimes in the pattern.

Example Victim Vulnerabilities

Physical vulnerabilities:

age (children, elderly individuals)

physical disabilities or limitations

size or physical stature

health condition

Psychological vulnerabilities:

mental health issues or disorders

cognitive impairments

substance abuse or addiction

trauma or post-traumatic stress

impulsivity or risk-taking behavior

inability to assess danger or make sound judgments 

Communication vulnerabilities:

limited language skills or language barriers

hearing or speech impairments

communication disorders

lack of access to communication devices or services

Socio-economic vulnerabilities:

poverty

unemployment

homelessness

lack of access to education or resources

Geographic vulnerabilities:

high crime rate neighborhoods or areas

remote, secluded, or isolated locations

lack of security infrastructure (lighting, surveillance)

Home vulnerabilities:

lack of home security measures

absence from home (vacations, work, school)

negligence in locking doors, windows

Social vulnerabilities:

lack of social support or strong relationships

social isolation

membership in marginalized or stigmatized groups

targeting based on social status or reputation

peer pressure and influence

discrimination or prejudice

targeted based on race, religion, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics

Gender-based vulnerabilities:

targeting women for sexual crimes

targeting homosexuals for crime

gender-based violence and harassment

sexual orientation-based violence and harassment

domestic violence or intimate partner violence

traditional gender roles and stereotypes

Technological vulnerabilities:

lack of digital literacy

weak online privacy and security practices

cyberbullying or online harassment

phishing scams and identity theft

exploitation through social media or dating platforms

over-sharing personal information online

weak passwords

revealing geotagged location details

Cultural vulnerabilities:

language barriers

limited knowledge of local customs or laws

cultural or religious practices that may make individuals more susceptible to victimization

targeting based on ethnic or cultural background

unfamiliar with the local environment

targeting in popular tourist destinations

Environmental vulnerabilities:

natural disasters or emergencies

lack of emergency preparedness

poorly maintained infrastructure or public spaces

exposure to environmental hazards (polluted areas, unsafe buildings)

Personal lifestyle vulnerabilities:

alcohol or drug use

involvement in illegal activities

reckless behavior (excessive partying, risky sexual behavior)

inadequate personal safety precautions (not locking doors, walking alone at night)

Financial vulnerabilities:

carrying large sums of cash

lack of financial security measures

falling victim to investment scams or fraud