Issue
NCVS is one of two main sources of data on crime in the U.S. and the primary source of information on crime victimization. The survey provides information about hate violence, sexual and other forms of assault, intimate-partner violence, robbery, property crimes, experience with the criminal system, and other criminal victimization subjects. The survey also collects demographic information from respondents, including sexual orientation and gender identity from respondents age 16 and older.
Impact
In 2018, the BJS announced that it would longer collect information about sexual orientation and gender identity from 16- and 17-year old respondents to the NCVS. In 2021, the agency submitted a proposal to reinstate the SOGI measures on the NCVS.
Summary
The comment commends BJS for reversing its 2018 decision and restoring the survey’s SOGI measures. Scholars discuss the importance of expanding and improving federal data collection on sexual orientation and gender identity, and the importance of collecting such data from youth respondents to the National Crime Victimization Survey.