Violence, Victimization, and Perceptions of Crime & Justice in Small Towns and Rural Areas Project

The Edward Byrne Memorial Discretionary Grants Program (Byrne Discretionary Program) helps local communities improve the capacity of local justice systems and provides for national support efforts. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 08 Congressional Budget. Funds should be used for purposes recommended by Congress.

The Southern Illinois University of Carbondale will gain a greater understanding of the unique nature of crime among residents of rural areas and small towns. The project will increase the existing knowledge of victimization experiences, perceptions of crime, and official reporting behaviors of rural residents. The University will study a random sample population selected by the Center for Rural Violence & Justice Studies and that includes numerous residents from various rural counties across the United States. The project will provide a clearer understanding of crimes among the rural population by capturing a sample of victimization experiences and attitudes, as well as examining those activities that were officially reported to the police.

NCA/NCF