The Nation - News from Jan. 16, 1989

Almost three-quarters of the victims of violent crimes who survived say they made some effort to protect themselves, and most believe their resistance was worthwhile, according to a federal survey. The 100,000 victims interviewed between July, 1986, and June, 1987, as part of the Justice Department’s National Crime Survey were subjected to rape, robbery, aggravated assault and simple assault. About one-third resisted or tried to capture the offender, about one-fourth ran away or hid and another fourth tried to appease the offender. While 63% felt their action helped the situation, 7% said it harmed, 6% said it helped and hurt, 13% said it did neither and 11% were not sure. Victims also said they believed their assailants were under the influence of drugs or alcohol in about 36% of violent crimes, including 46% of the rapes.