ABSTRACT
For nearly every crime, there is a victim. However, the vast majority of studies in the economics of crime have focused on the causal determinants of criminality. We present novel evidence on the causal determinants of victimization, focusing on legal access to alcohol. The social costs of alcohol use and abuse are sizable and well documented. We find criminal victimization—for both violent and property crimes—increases noticeably at age 21. Effects are not present at other birthdays and do not appear to be driven by a “birthday celebration effect.” The effects are particularly large for sexual assaults, especially those that occur in nonresidential locations. Our results suggest prior research that has focused on criminality has understated the true social costs associated with increased access to alcohol.
- Received July 2020.
- Accepted April 2021.
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