Our Vulnerable Teenagers: Their Victimization, Its Consequences, and Directions for Prevention and Intervention

• NCJ Number: 201811
• Author(s): Madeline Wordes Ph.D.; Michell Nunez M.A.
• Date Published: May 2002
• Length: 36 pages
• Corporate Author: National Council on Crime and Delinquency; National Ctr for Victims of Crime
• Sale Source: National Council on Crime and Delinquency; National Ctr for Victims of Crime
• Publication Format: Document (Online)
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Downloaded August 28, 2003.

Annotation

This paper documents the prevalence and consequences of the criminal victimization of teens, and promising victimization prevention and intervention strategies are described.

Abstract

Current research and data on the nature and extent of the criminal victimization of teens shows that they are victimized at alarming rates at home, in school, and on the street. They are two times more likely than other age groups to be victims of violent crime. In a national survey of high school students, one in four reported being a victim of a violent crime in the past year. Other data show they are also more likely to be victims of property crimes than adults, although they do not often report their victimization to the police. Youths who are poor, African-American, Hispanic, or American Indian are at the highest risk of victimization. In addition to the obvious immediate consequences of victimization, there are longer term consequences for many teens. Studies have shown that victimization during adolescence can have an adverse impact on school performance, physical and mental health, substance abuse, delinquent behavior, and future earning potential. This paper identifies three basic principles that underlie an effective, comprehensive approach to preventing and intervening to address the criminal victimization of teens. First, provide safe environments for teen victims; second, identify and assess victimization and its consequences; and third, protect teens from further harm and repeat victimization. In an effort to advance these principles in the development of programs nationwide, the National Center for Victims of Crime and the National Council on Crime and Delinquency has launched the Teen Victim Project, which aims to bring together two networks, i.e., the youth-development community and victim service providers. This effort intends to build a "safety net" for teens based on collaboration, communication, and a shared interest in helping America's teens. This paper also reports on the results of a literature review to determine promising strategies for addressing teen victimization. The strategies are categorized by the goals of producing safer homes, safer schools, and safer streets. 68 references