Luxembourg City, Luxembourg – A recent report by Luxembourg’s official statistics agency, Statec, reveals that the long-term impact of a violent attack on a victim can vary depending on factors such as gender, age, and country of origin. Foreign-born residents are more likely to experience lasting consequences following acts of violence, according to the report published on Tuesday.
The study, which surveyed 5,695 residents between 2019 and 2020, found that the country of origin of the victim and their exposure to security concerns in their neighborhood play significant roles in how they cope with such incidents in the long term. The report included crimes that occurred both in Luxembourg and abroad, including those that were not reported to the police.
Statec’s analysis revealed that foreign-born victims tended to report a greater long-term impact on their daily lives compared to Luxembourgers. This impact was rated five out of ten in terms of lasting emotional consequences for foreign-born victims, while Luxembourgers reported an average impact of four out of ten. The report attributed this difference to the stronger social and family ties typically seen in Luxembourg-born individuals.
Furthermore, the presence of neighborhood problems was found to increase the emotional impact of violent incidents on victims. The study suggested that neighborhoods perceived as “safe” and “orderly” contribute to overall well-being, resilience, and better management of violent incidents.
The emotional impact of violent attacks was noted to be more pronounced among women, individuals aged 35 to 54 years, and those from lower-income households. Female victims reported feelings of fear, anxiety, and panic attacks at a higher rate than male victims, while men were more likely to experience a loss of self-confidence.
Among all victims surveyed, common consequences reported included shock, shame, guilt, issues with sleep and appetite, as well as injuries. Men were more likely to report physical injuries, with open wounds and bruises being the most recurring injuries noted.
Statec emphasized the human and social cost of violent crime, highlighting how it can undermine people’s well-being and quality of life. The study aims to evaluate the impact of rising criminality in Luxembourg, shedding light on the importance of understanding and addressing the long-term effects of violence on individuals within the community.