Homeless Perpetrators and Victims of Crimes: Preliminary Findings of a Research in the Region of Puglia (Italy)

Ignazio Grattagliano; Cristian Signorile; Andrea Lisi; Maria Francesca De Rinaldis; Maria Antonietta Montedoro; Giovanni Aliquo; Daniela Poduti; Lucio Palella; Vito Ventrella; Roberto Catanesi

doi:10.6000/1929-4409.2015.04.08

Authors

Ignazio Grattagliano Department of Criminology and Forensic Psichiatry University of Bari, Italy
Cristian Signorile Help Center Psychosocial Bari, Italy
Andrea Lisi Department of Criminology and Forensic Psichiatry University of Bari, Italy
Maria Francesca De Rinaldis Department of Criminology and Forensic Psichiatry University of Bari, Italy
Maria Antonietta Montedoro Department of Criminology and Forensic Psichiatry University of Bari, Italy
Giovanni Aliquo Department of Italian Police Railway, Italy
Daniela Poduti Department of Italian Police Railway, Italy
Lucio Palella Department of Italian Police Railway, Italy
Vito Ventrella Department of Italian Police Railway, Italy
Roberto Catanesi Department of Criminology and Forensic Psichiatry University of Bari, Italy

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6000/1929-4409.2015.04.08

Keywords:

Homeless, perpetrators, victims, criminology, psychopathology.

Abstract

The aim of the study is to analyze from a criminological perspective a peculiar case of deviance: that perpetrated by homeless people, defined as "an individuals in a condition of material and immaterial poverty, carrying a complex, dynamic and multiform kind of discomfort".

In collaboration with the Division of the Railway Police of the Regions of Puglia, Basilicata and Molise, 95 homeless were recruited and the incidence of perpetrators and victims of crimes was investigated.

Author Biography

Roberto Catanesi, Department of Criminology and Forensic Psichiatry University of Bari, Italy

Criminology and Forensic

References

Allgood, S., Moore, M. and Warren, R.S. Jr. 1997. “The duration of sheltered homelessness in a small city” Journal of Housing Research 6: 60-80. http://dx.doi.org/10.1006/jhec.1997.0204 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1006/jhec.1997.0204

Ambrosio, E., Baker, D., Crowe, C., and Hardill, K. 1992. “The Street Health report: A study of the health care of homelessness, women, and men in the City of Toronto” Toronto: Street Health.

Anderson, N., 1923. “The Hobo: The Sociology of the Homeless Man” Chicago: University Of Chicago Press.

Ballintyne, S., 1999. “Unsafe Streets: Street homelessness and crime” London: Institute for Public Policy Research. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-0041.00076

Bayatpour, M., Wells, R.D., and Holford, S. 1992. “Physical and sexual abuse as predictors of substance use and suicide among pregnant teenagers” Journal of Adolesc Health, 13: 128-132. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/1054-139X(92)90079-Q DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/1054-139X(92)90079-Q

Bassuk, E.L., and Weinreb, L. 1993. “Homeless pregnant women: Two generations at risk” American Journal of Orthopsychiatry 63: 348-357. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/h0085034 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/h0085034

Beithman, J.H., Zucker, K.J., Hood, J.E., Da Costa, G.A., and Akman, D. 1991. “A review of the short-term effects of child sexual abuse” Child Abuse and Neglect 15: 537-556. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0145-2134(91)90038-F DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0145-2134(91)90038-F

Beithman, J.H., Zucker, K.J., Hood, J.E., Da Costa, G.A., Akman, D., and Cassavia, E. 1992. “A review of the long-term effects of child sexual abuse” Child Abuse and Neglect 16: 101-118. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0145-2134(92)90011-F DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0145-2134(92)90011-F

Bonadonna, F. 2005. “Il nome del barbone. Vite di strada e povertà estreme in Italia” [The name of the tramp: lifes on the road and extreme poverty in Italy]. DeriveApprodi: Roma.

Brassard, R., and Cousineau, M.M. 2000. “Victimisation et prise en charge des itinérants: entre aide et contrôle” in Laberge D. (a cura di): L’errance urbaine, Éditions Multimondes, Quebec.

Brown, A., and Finkelhor, D. 1986. “Impact of child sexual abuse: A review of the research” Psychological Bulettinl 99: 66-77. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.99.1.66 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.99.1.66

Carpentier, C. 2002. “Drug Related Social Exclusion, in the Context of socio-demographic and Economic Indicators” Working paper. EMCDDA: Lisbon.

Chamberlain, C., and Mackenzie, D. 2003. “Counting the homeless 2001” Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Chamberlain, C., Johnson, G., and Theobald, J. 2007. “Homelessness in Melbourne: Confronting the Challenge” Melbourne: HomeGround Services, The Salvation Army Crisis Services and RMIT University.

Clarke, M., and Cooper, M. 2000. “Homeless Youth: Falling between the cracks: An investigation of youth homelessness in Calgary” Youth Alternative Housing Commitee.

CNCA 2005. “Sostanze senza dimora. Una ricerca condotta in servizi che accolgono persone consumatrici di sostanze e in condizione di senza dimora” [Homeless substances. A research on the services hosting the substance consuming homeless people]. Comunità Edizioni.

Corbi, G., Grattagliano, I., Catanesi, R., Ferrara, N., Yorston, G., and Campobasso C.P. 2012 “Elderly Residents at Risk for Being Victims or Offenders” Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 13 (7):657-659. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2012.05.012 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2012.05.012

D’ercole, A., and Struening, E. 1990. “Victimization among homeless women: Implications for service delivery” Journal of Community Psychology, 18:141-151. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/1520-6629(199004)18:2<141::AID-JCOP2290180206>3.0.CO;2-O DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/1520-6629(199004)18:2<141::AID-JCOP2290180206>3.0.CO;2-O

Eberle, M., Kraus, D., Serge, L., and Hulchanski, D. 2001. “Homeless – causes and effects: The relationship between homelessness and the health, Social Services and Criminal Justice Systems: A review of Literature” British Columbia, 1.

FEANTSA 2005, by Edgard, B., and Meert, H., “Fourth review of Statistics on Homelessness in Europe” The ETHOS definition of Homelessness. European Observatory on Homelessness Fourth Review of Statistics on Homelessness in Europe.

Fichter, M.M., Koniarczyk, M., Greifenhagen, A., Koegel, P., Quadflieg, N., Wittchen, H.U., and Wolz J. 1996. “Mental illness in a representative sample of homeless men in Munich, Germany” European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscencei 246: 185-196. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02188952 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02188952

Fichter, M.M., and Quadflieg, N. 2001. “Prevalence of mental illness in homeless men in Munich, Germany: results from a representative sample” Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica 103: 94-104. http://dx.doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0447.2001.00217.x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0447.2001.00217.x

Fisher, P.J. 1992. “Criminal behaviour and victimization among homeless people” in Janiel, R.I. (edited by): Homelessness, a prevention-oriented approach. The Johns Hopkins University Press, New York.

Fisher, S.N., Shinn, M., Shrout, P., and Tsemberis, S. 2008. “Homelessness, mental illness and criminal activity: examining patterns over time” American Journal of Community Psychology 45: 251-265. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10464-008-9210-z DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10464-008-9210-z

Gaetz, S. 2004. “Understanding Research on Homelessness in Toronto: A Literature Review”. York University and Wellesley Central Health Foundation, Toronto.

Gardiner, H., and Cairns K.V. 2002. “2002 Calgary Homelessness Study: Final Report “(October 2002). Research Report to the Calgary Homeless Foundation. Calgary: Calgary Homeless Foundation.

Grattagliano, I., Cassibba, R., Greco, R., Laudisa, A., Torres, A., and Mastromarino, A., 2012. “Stalking: Old behaviour new crime. Reflections on 11 cases assessed in the judicial district of Bari” Rivista di Psichiatria 47, (1): 65-72.

Grattagliano, I., 2013. “Pas e metodologia peritale” Psicologia Clinica dello Sviluppo 17(2): 340-344.

Greco, R., Curci, A., and Grattagliano, I., (2009). “Juvenile Criminality: General Strain Theory and the reactive-proactive aggression trait” Rivista di Psichiatria, 44 (5): 328-336.

Greene, J.M., Ennett, S.T., and Ringwalt, C.L. (1999). “Prevalence and correlates of servival sex among runaway and homeless youth” Am J Public Health, 89(9):1406-1409. http://dx.doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.89.9.1406 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.89.9.1406

Herrman, H., Mcgorry, P., Bennett, P., Van Riel, R., and Singh, B. 1989. “Prevalence of severe mental disorders in disaffiliated and homeless people in inner Melbourne” The American Journal of Psychiatry 146:1179-1184. http://dx.doi.org/10.1176/ajp.146.9.1179 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1176/ajp.146.9.1179

Hermen, D.B., Susser, E.S., Struening, E. L., and Link, B. L. 1997. “Adverse childhood experiences: Are they risk factors for adult homelessness?” American Journal of Public Health, 87:249-255. http://dx.doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.87.2.249 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.87.2.249

Hewitt, J.A. 1994. “Technical Report: Homelessness and the Criminal Justice System in Canada: A literary review” Department of Justice, Government of Canada, Canada.

Hwang, S.W. 2000. “Mortality among men using homeless shelters in Toronto, Ontario” Journal of the American Medical Association 283:2152-2157. http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.283.16.2152 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.283.16.2152

IPRES 2013. Relazione sociale 2012. Ambito di Bari [Social report. The area of Bari].

Istat 2012. Le persone senza dimora [The homeless].

Janus, M., Mccormack, A., Bugess, A.W., and Hatman, C. 1987. Adolescent runaways: Causes and consequences. Lexington Books, Lexington, MA.

Koegel, P., Burnam, M.A., and Farr, R.K. 1988. “The prevalence of specific psychiatric disorders among homeless individuals in the inner city of Los Angeles” Archives General Psychiatry, 45:1085-1092. http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archpsyc.1988.01800360033005 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1001/archpsyc.1988.01800360033005

Kushel, M.B., Evans, J.L., Perry, S., Robertson, M.J., and Moss, A.R. 2003. “No door to lock: Victimization among homeless and marginally housed persons” Archives of Internal Medicine, 10:2492-2499. http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archinte.163.20.2492 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1001/archinte.163.20.2492

Laberge, D. 2000. “L’erraire urbaine: collectif de recherché sur L’itinérance, la pauvreté et l’exclusion sociale” Les Editions Multimondes, Sainte-Foy.

Lisi, A., Stallone, V., Tomasino, M.G., Affatati, V., Zelano, C., and Grattagliano, I. 2012, “The utility and limitations of the Human Figure Drawing Test in the evaluation of the child abuse's cases in expert testimony circles” Psicologia .Clinica dello. Sviluppo. 16 (2):421-439

Lisi, A., Stallone, V., Tomasino, M.G., Affatati, V., Dimastromatteo, C., and Grattagliano, I. 2013, “Uselfulness and limits of the Family drawing test, in the evaluation of child sexual abuse in expert testimony: A field survey” Maltrattamento ed Abuso all'Infanzia, 15 (1):81.96

Levin, J., and Mcdevitt, J. 1999. “Hate crimes” in Kurtz L.R., Turpin J.E. (edited by): Encyclopedia of violence, peace, and conflict. Academic Press, Oxford.

London, J., 1907, The road; trad. it. di Maggiani, M., 1997, La strada, Torino, Einaudi.

Margari, L., Pinto, F., Lafortezza, M.E., Craig, F., Grattagliano, I., Zagaria, G., and Margari, F. 2013. “Mental health in migrant schoolchildren in Italy: Teacher-reported behavior and emotional problems” Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment. 9:231-241. http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S37829 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S37829

Martell, D.A., Rosner, R., and Harmon, R.B. 1995. “Base-rate estimates of criminal behavior by homeless mentally ill persons in New York City” Psychiatric Services 46:596–601. http://dx.doi.org/10.1176/ps.46.6.596 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1176/ps.46.6.596

Martell, D.A. 1991. “Homeless mentally ill offenders and violent crimes” Law and Human Behavior 15:333–347. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02074075 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02074075

Mccarthy, B., and Hagan, J. 1991. “Homelessness: A criminogenic situation?” British Journal of Criminology, 31: 393–410. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.bjc.a048137

MacKenzie, D., and Chamberlain, C. 2003. “Homelessness career. Pathways in and out of homelessness” Melbourne, Swinburn and RMIT Universities.

Mcniel, D.E., Binder, R.L, and Robinson, J.A. 2005. “Incarceration associated with homelessness, mental disorder and co-occurring substance abuse” Psychiatric Services, 56 (7), 840-846. http://dx.doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.56.7.840 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.56.7.840

Marvelli, E, Grattagliano, I, Aventagiato, L, Gagliano-Candela R, 2013. “Substance use and victimization in violent assaults” Clinica Terapeutica, 164(3):239-244.

Mental Health Policy Research Group 1998. “Mental illness and pathways into homelessness: proceedings and recommendations” Toronto.

Meo, A. 1995. “I senza casa a Torino. Vita quotidiana e percorsi biografici nel tessuto urbano” [The homeless in Turin: Daily life and biographic pathways in the city]. Universiy of Trento.

Metraux, S., and Culhane, D. 2004. “Homeless shelter use and re-incarceration following prison release” Criminology and Public Policy, 3(2), 139-160. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-9133.2004.tb00031.x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-9133.2004.tb00031.x

Murray, S. 2009. “Somewhere safe to call home. Violence Against Women During Homelessness” Centre for Applied Social Research, RMIT University.

Nanni, W. 1998. “Persone senza fissa dimora e povertà estreme: aspetti quantitativi e qualitativi del fenomeno” [The homeless and extreme poverty: quantitative and qualitative aspects of the phenomenon]. In Caritas Italiana, Fondazione E. Zancan (a cura di), Gli ultimi della fila. Rapporto 1997 sui bisogni dimenticati [The lasts of the row. Report 1997. The forgotten needs]. Feltrinelli, Milano, p. 80.

Novac, S. 2007. “Family violence and homelessness: Connections and dynamics” Centre for Urban and Community Studies, Research Bullettin n. 40.

Novac, S., Brown, J., and Bourbonnais, C. 1996. “No Room of Her Own: A Literature Review on Women and Homelessnes” Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Ottawa.

North, C.S., Smith, E.M., and Spitznagel, E.L. 1994. “Violence and the homeless: An epidemiologic study of victimization and aggression” J Trauma Stress, 7:95-110. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jts.2490070110 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.2490070110

Parkinson, S. 2004. “Getting My Life Back Together: Women, Housing and Multiple Needs” Hanover Welfare Services, Melbourne.

Patterson, G.R., Dishion, T.J., and Bank, L. 1984. “Family interaction: A process model of deviancy training” Aggressive Behavior, 10:253-267. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/1098-2337(1984)10:3<253::AID-AB2480100309>3.0.CO;2-2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/1098-2337(1984)10:3<253::AID-AB2480100309>3.0.CO;2-2

Patterson, G.R., Debaryshe, B.D., and Ramsey, E. 1989. “A developmental perspective on antisocial behavior” American Psychologist 44:329-335. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.44.2.329 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.44.2.329

Richman, B.J., Convit, A., and Martell, D. 1992. Homelessness and the mentally ill offender, Journal of Forensic Science, 37: 932–937. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1520/JFS12008J

Scorca, A., Santoro, V., De Donno, A., Grattagliano, I., Tafuri, S., and Introna, F. 2013. “Early childhood caries (ECC) and neglect in child care: Analysis of an Italian sample” Clinica Terapeutica. 164 (5):e365-e371

Shapcott, M. 2007. “Physical and Sexual Violence Rates For Homeless Many Times Higher Than Housed” Wellesley Institute, Toronto.

Simons, R.L., Whitbeck, L.B., and Bales, A. 1989. “Life on the streets: Victimization and psychological distress among the adult homeless” Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 4: 482-501. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/088626089004004007 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/088626089004004007

Smith, E.M., North, C.S., and Spitznagel, E.L. 1993. “Alcohol, Drugs, and Psychiatric Comorbidity Among Homeless Women: An Epidemiologic Study” Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 54:82-87.

Solarino, B., Grattagliano, I., Catanesi, R., and Tsokos, M. 2012. “Child starvation and neglect: A report of two fatal cases” Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 19 (3):171-174. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jflm.2011.10.004 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jflm.2011.10.004

Shelter Cymru, S. 2004. “Homelessness it’s a crime, the impact and costs of a failing system” Swansea, Wales.

Snow, D.A., Baker, S.G., and Anderson, L. 1989. “Criminality and homeless men: An empirical assessment” Social Problems, 36:532–549. http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/3096817 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1525/sp.1989.36.5.03x0010j

Stermac, L., and Paradis, E.K. 2001. “Homeless women and victimization: Abuse and mental health history among homeless rape survivors” Resources for Feminist Research/Documentation sur la Recherche Feministe, 28:65-80.

Tanner, J., and Wortley, S. 2002. “The Toronto youth crime and victimization study: Overview report” Centre for Criminology University of Toronto, Toronto.

Tyler, K.A., Hoyt, D.R., and Whitbeck, L.B. 2000. “The Effects of Early Sexual Abuse on Later Sexual Victimization Among Female Homeless and Runaway Adolescents” Journal of Interpersonal Violence 15(3), 235-250. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/088626000015003001 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/088626000015003001

Wachholz, S. 2005. “ Hate crimes against the homeless: Warning-out New England style” Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare, 32:141-163. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.3119

Vazquez, C., Munoz, M., and Sanz, J. 1997. “Lifetime and 12-month prevalence of DSM-III-R mental disorders among the homeless in Madrid: a European study using the CIDI” Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 95: 523-530. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0447.1997.tb10141.x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0447.1997.tb10141.x

Wenzel, S.L., Leake, B. D., and Gelberg, L. 2001. “Risk factors for major violence among homeless women” Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 16, 739-752. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/088626001016008001 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/088626001016008001

Whitbeck, L.B., Hoyt, D.R., and Yoder, K. 1999. “A risk-amplification model of victimization and depressive symptoms among runaway and homeless adolescents” American Journal of Community Psychology, 27: 273-296. http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1022891802943 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022891802943

Zorzi, R., Scott, S., Doherty, D., Engman, A., Lauzon, C., Mcguire, M., Et al. 2006. “Housing Options Upon Discharge from Correctional Facilities” Cathexis Consulting Inc., Toronto.