NCJ Number
152010
Journal
EuroCriminology Volume: 7 Dated: (1994) Pages: 39-51
Date Published
1994
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This article examines the patterns and prevalence of violent crime by juveniles in the unified German state and suggests strategies for countering it.
Abstract
In 1991, violent crime constituted 2.7 percent of the total number of reported offenses. This amounted to 10,000 more violent offenses than in the previous year. Grievous and aggravated assault and battery composed more than half of the violent crime. This trend will probably continue in 1992. Violence-prone young gangs have emerged to commit muggings and assaults. Other manifestations of violence by youth include violence at sports events and against foreign nationals. There is a trend toward more violent crime in the eastern part of Germany, although it has not reached the level recorded for western Germany. In recommending strategies for countering violence by youth, the author suggests that the cultural patterns of the control of aggression be cultivated and expanded. In addition to the governmental-control potential for disparaging and channeling aggression, a wide range of social pedagogical applications should be implemented for youth. In all types of crime, the police and the justice system must strive, by means of efficient prosecution, to prevent the further erosion of the sense of justice. An 18-item bibliography