It’s a question so bizarre that someone had to put it to the test- can someone’s genes increase their chance of becoming a victim of crime, such as violence?

Researchers at Florida State University, led by Kevin M. Beaver, studied a large sample of fraternal adolescent twins to conduct their analysis. Controlling variables such as family life, social life, and drug and alcohol use, Beaver was able to point to genes as a powerful factor in the chances of an adolescent being a victim of violence.

Because genes are unlikely to change much throughout a person’s life, it stands that victims will continue to be victims so long as their behavior remains the same. This explains Beaver’s further and more powerful findings connecting genetic factors with repeat victims.

Beaver is quick to point out that victims are often not innocent targets in their victimization, but may exhibit anti-social behavior that attracts such behavior from others. Additionally, victims of repeat violence tend to associate with delinquent peers, thus increasing the chances for them to be victimized. Finally, repeat victims often become perpetrators of this type of crime themselves, thus completing the circle of victimization.

Despite the solid findings, Beaver notes that genetic factors shouldn’t be used to solely explain the phenomena of repeat victimization, as environmental factors can never be taken out of the equation. Depending on the family environment and childhood upbringing, such behavioral traits could be heightened or diminished, making any genetic disposition irrelevant.

Those in the fields of Criminology, criminal psychology and counseling psychology could use the findings of this study to better understand repeat victimization and why it occurs.