Publication Date
8-2019
Date of Final Oral Examination (Defense)
7-16-2019
Type of Culminating Activity
Thesis
Degree Title
Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
Department
Criminal Justice
Major Advisor
Lisa Growette Bostaph Ph.D.
Advisor
Laura King, Ph.D.
Advisor
Jacqueline Lee, J.D., Ph.D.
Advisor
Jessica Wells, Ph.D.
Abstract
Recent advances in criminological theory have changed the way we approach age-old questions of criminality. Routine activity theory, hotspots analyses, and spatial-statistical models have become popular methods of investigating criminal phenomena. This study tests the applicability of spatial analyses and routine activity theory by examining the relationship between a geographically-measured lack of guardianship composite score and the occurrence of child sexual abuse (CSA) and sexual assault perpetrated against minors (SAAM). Moran’s I, single kernel interpolation, dual kernel interpolation, and spatial lag regression are used as methods of analysis for this study. Strong evidence of spatial clustering is observed and a significant relationship between the lack of guardianship composite score and the spatial lag of CSA and SAAM incidents is identified. These findings further support routine activity theory and demonstrate the need to continue integration of spatial-statistical techniques with traditional criminological theory.
DOI
10.18122/td/1600/boisestate
Recommended Citation
Ropp, John, "Sexual Abuse and Assault Against Minors: A Spatial Application of Routine Activity Theory" (2019). Boise State University Theses and Dissertations. 1600.
10.18122/td/1600/boisestate