Reconceptualizing Polyvictimization: Integrating Self-Reported Victimization and Police Use of Force

Research on police violence (PV) narrowly defines it as physical force, disregarding its other forms, like psychological violence and neglect, and its co-occurrence with non-police victimization (NPV). This omission is important because of overlapping risk factors and potential compounding harm. Using the National Crime Victimization Survey and Police-Public Contact Survey, this study employs a more expansive definition that includes psychological and neglectful PV and assesses the overlap of these harms with NPV. Psychological PV was the most experienced form, and it was most prevalent among individuals who are male, younger, Black, city residents, and low-income. Any PV exposure, especially physical, was associated with a heightened NPV risk. While Black respondents had a higher likelihood of psychological PV than White individuals, its association with NPV was strongest for White respondents. Findings underscore the need to include PV in polyvictimization research and for alternatives to formal institutions that may perpetuate harm.