Is Traumatic Brain Injury Related to Victimization Risk? An Examination of Multiple Types of Victimization.

A robust body of literature has addressed the factors that increase the risk of people experiencing victimization. One recent factor identified is a victim having experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Most of this research has focused on TBI as a consequence of intimate partner violence or a risk for violent victimization, yet little is known about the role that TBI may play in other forms of victimization. Using data from the ACHA-NCHA III (N = 88,970), a national level study of college students (average age 23.7 years old), this research examines whether TBI is associated with greater risks of four types of victimization: violent, sexual, IPV, and stalking. Results from logistic regression models suggest that TBI is a key correlate of victimization. Knowing this may help shape intervention programs that universities use to identify those at risk for victimization and in need of resources.