Histories of Sexual Abuse in Adolescent Male Runaways

• NCJ Number: 107699
• Journal: Adolescence Volume: 22 Issue: 86 Dated: (Summer 1987) Pages: 405-418
• Author(s): M-D Janus; A W Burgess; A McCormack
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 14 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

In this 1984 study, the histories of 89 Canadian runaways were evaluated in terms of family structure and financial stability, delinquent and criminal activities, reasons for running away, and physical and sexual victimization.

Abstract

Compared to randomly sampled populations, male runaways evidenced dramatically higher rates of sexual and physical abuse. Sexually abused and nonsexually abused runaways shared characteristics common to runaways in the literature: problem families, high rates of delinquency, depression, tension, low self-image, and history of physical abuse. Compared to runaways who had not been sexually abused, sexually abused runaways responded to their running away in a highly avoidant pattern coupled with extreme withdrawal from all types of interpersonal relationships. These differences are discussed in terms of the sequelae of child sexual abuse and implications for treatment of runaway shelters. 59 references and 6 tables. (Author abstract modified)