Longitudinal Relation Between Peer Violent Victimization and Delinquency Results From a National Representative Sample of U.S. Adolescents

• NCJ Number: 245665
• Journal: Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 28 Issue: 8 Dated: May 2013 Pages: 1596-1616
• Author(s): Corrie L. Jackson; Rochelle F. Hanson; Ananda B. Amstadter; Benjamin E. Saunders; Dean G. Kilpatrick
• Date Published: May 2013
• Length: 21 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined (a) demographic and descriptive information about peer violent victimization (PVV); and (b) the longitudinal relation between a history of PVV and delinquency.

Abstract

Using a nationally representative sample of adolescents from the United States aged 12 to 17 years (Wave 1, n = 3,614; Wave 2, n = 2,511), this study examined (a) demographic and descriptive information about peer violent victimization (PVV); and (b) the longitudinal relation between a history of PVV and delinquency. Results indicated that 12.4 percent of adolescents reported lifetime exposure to PVV, and many of these adolescents with a previous history of PVV also reported exposure to other forms of interpersonal violence, with witnessing community/school violence being the most commonly endorsed exposure category. Males, older adolescents, African-American adolescents, and adolescents from low-income households were significantly more likely to endorse PVV. Regardless of the victim's gender, the majority of the perpetrators were male. After controlling for exposure to other forms of interpersonal violence and a history of delinquency, PVV was related to subsequent delinquency. Implications for policy, practice, and future research are discussed. Abstract published by arrangement with Sage Journals.