Toxicodependência e vitimação: Inquérito dirigido a indivíduos dependentes de drogas

Abstract

Drug addiction is linked to other problems, like criminal behaviour and victimization. The drug addict victimization has not been sufficiently explored, and the victimization surveys do not ascertain the role of drugs in criminal occurrences, particularly regarding to the victim. However, in some criminal situations both, offender and victim, show signs of drugs consumption. We explore some theoretical models that support the idea that the drug addict is often victim of crime. We present a questionnaire for victimization surveys on the addict population. Through this inquiry we may know more about the victimization experienced in the period before drug dependence, and during the phase of drug addiction. After the sociodemographic data, we question the victimization in a prior period to addiction, and the circumstances/conditions of these occurrences. Then, we inquire about the victimization experienced in the drug addiction phase, and the circumstances/conditions of those situations. There is always reference to the role of drugs, in victims and in offenders. We conclude that is important to assess the victimization of this specific population, and it should be given more importance to the role of drugs. We also emphasize that the victimization should be an element integrated in programs for drug addicts.