Drawing out perceptions: Using drawing as a method to understand public perceptions of homelessness and crime

This article considers the ways in which we as a society see victims of crime, particularly those who fall into Miers' category of 'delinquent victims'. Focusing on homelessness in the United Kingdom, the article is critical of the 'victim' label, which is arguably at odds with real crime victims, yet produces the victims we do see as well as those we do not. While those experiencing homelessness suffer from heightened levels of victimisation, they are also less likely to attain victim status. The following discussion seeks to rationalise this paradox by suggesting that being seen as homeless is somehow incompatible with being seen as a victim. Given the importance of the visual, drawing is employed as a research method to understand public perceptions of homelessness and crime. The resulting visual representations are unanticipated, yet significant, and often omit the crime component entirely, instead focusing on stereotypical representations of homelessness. The article concludes by emphasising the importance of seeing and suggests directions for future research.

Automated summary

This article examines society's perception of crime victims, particularly those categorized as "delinquent victims". Focusing on homelessness in the United Kingdom, the article critiques the "victim" label, which conflicts with real crime victims but also shapes our understanding of visible and invisible victims. Homeless individuals experience heightened victimization but often do not fit the traditional victim profile. The study utilizes drawing as a research method to explore public perceptions of homelessness and crime, revealing unexpected and significant visual representations that often overlook the crime element and rely on stereotypical images of homelessness. The article underscores the importance of visibility and suggests areas for future research.