Immigrants and Victimization, 2004

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By Samuel Perreault, Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics, Statistics Canada

In 2001, the Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics first released data on the victimization of immigrants from the 1999 General Social Survey (GSS) on Victimization. The findings showed that immigrants had lower victimization rates than non-immigrant Canadians.

Since the 2001 Census, the representation of immigrants in the Canadian population increased from 18% to 20% five years later. Given this increased representation and the specific characteristics of the immigrant population in Canada, having current data on the nature and extent of victimization among immigrants is important.

Following the 1999 GSS on Victimization, the survey was conducted again in 2004. This report uses data from both the 2004 GSS and the 2006 Census to analyse the rates and characteristics of violent crimes against immigrants. Additionally, this profile includes information on immigrants' perceptions of their safety and of the justice system. Also, when the sample size permits, some provincial data are presented.

Preface

This series of profiles provides analysis on a variety of topics and issues concerning victimization, offending and public perceptions of crime and the justice system. The profiles primarily draw on results from the General Social Survey on victimization. Where applicable, they also incorporate information from other data sources, such as the Census of the Population and the Incident-based Uniform Crime Reporting Survey.

Examples of the topics explored through this series include: Victimization and offending in Canada's territories, Canadians' use of crime prevention measures and victimization of older Canadians. This is a unique periodical, of great interest to those who have to plan, establish, administer and evaluate justice programs and projects, or anyone who has an interest in Canada's justice system.