NCJ Number
213999
Date Published
2006
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This chapter explores the victimization of juveniles.
Abstract
The prevalence of juvenile victimization is examined, relying on data from the National Crime Victimization Survey, which overall indicate that while the rates of juvenile victimization are falling, youths continue to be victimized at higher rates than other age groups. The most frequent type of juvenile victimization is child abuse and neglect, with nearly 900,000 cases documented in 2003. Researchers have applied different explanations to juvenile victimization that focus on a wide variety of factors from victim-blaming to lifestyle and routine activities. Explanations for child abuse and neglect are similarly considered and usually take the form of sociocultural and social learning explanations. The authors next focus on juveniles’ responses to victimization, which can take many forms including resisting the offender and running away or hiding from the offender. Psychological outcomes of victimization are discussed, such as a resulting fear of crime, avoidance of certain places or people, carrying weapons for protection, and grouping together for support. The role of formal social control agencies is considered, including child protective services, the juvenile court system, the adult criminal courts, domestic relations courts, and restorative justice programs. In closing, the authors point out that in our haste to identify a perpetrator and carry out justice, the juvenile victim is often forgotten. It is important that more research and programming be considered for juvenile victims. Four discussion questions help guide classroom discussion and assignments. Key terms are listed.