NCJ Number
165323
Date Published
1996
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Juvenile delinquents in Norway tend to be males who drop out of school, live in the city, and have social problems.
Abstract
Drug abuse is also a problem in Norway; treatment services have not been sufficiently developed to meet the growing need. Alcohol, anabolic steroids, and other drugs are abused. Norway is also characterized by many of the discontents of postindustrial society. About half of the families have only one parent; 70 percent of the women are employed outside the home. Sixty percent of the population live in urban areas. Fear of crime has increased. Employment opportunities for youth are decreasing. Psychiatric disorders and suicide rates among youth have increased. The causes of juvenile delinquency have been a source of controversy. Some argue that most people regularly break the law, but that some people are more visible to the authorities than others. Others argue that large differences exist between those with high crime rates and those with low crime rates. In addition, criminology is also examining links to victimology and notes that many or most prison inmates are child abuse victims who are familiar with violence from an early age. Violence and bullying among children and youth are sources of increasing concern. Youth clubs have existed for many years, but confusion exists regarding the means, aims, and goals involved in crime prevention. The Norwegian government has proposed numerous measures against juvenile delinquency, child abuse, against alcohol and drug abuse, and against racial discrimination and to help crime victims. 9 references