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Crime

Individuals victimized by child abuse and neglect are more likely than people who were not maltreated to engage in juvenile delinquency, adult criminality, and violent behavior. However, while the risk is higher, most abused and neglected children will not become delinquent, experience adolescent problem behaviors, or become involved in violent crime.

Addressing the Relationship Between Child Maltreatment and Juvenile Delinquency
Children's Bureau, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Children's Bureau Express, 5(3), 2004
Evidence gathered on the connection between child maltreatment and juvenile delinquency.

Another Look at the Effects of Child Abuse (PDF - 91 KB)
English, Widom, & Brandford
National Institute of Justice Journal, 251, 2004
Discusses a research study on the relationship between child abuse and neglect and delinquency, criminality, and violent behavior.

New Hope for Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect: Proven Solutions to Save Lives and Prevent Future Crime (PDF - 661 KB)
Fight Crime: Invest in Kids (2003)
Suggests that programs to prevent child abuse and neglect will result in reduced adult crime, as well as the protection of vulnerable children.

The Relationship Between Childhood Maltreatment and Adolescent Involvement in Delinquency
Smith & Thornberry
Criminology, 33(4), 1995
View Abstract
Analyzes three issues: the magnitude of the relationship between early child maltreatment and later delinquency; the possibility of spuriousness in this relationship; and the impact of more extensive measurement of maltreatment on later delinquency.

Childhood Victimization and Delinquency, Adult Criminality, and Violent Criminal Behavior: A Replication and Extension (PDF - 3250 KB)
English, Widom, & Branford (2002)
Findings strongly support the relationship between child abuse and neglect and delinquency, adult criminality, and violent criminal behavior. Gender, ethnicity, geography, type of maltreatment, and placement experiences are considered.

The Pathways to Youth Violence: How Child Maltreatment and Other Risk Factors Lead Children to Chronically Aggressive Behavior (PDF - 224 KB)
American Bar Association Juvenile Justice Center (2000)
A training module designed to assist juvenile court personnel in understanding the developmental dynamics of violent offending, including what causes the onset of violent behavior in children and how childhood maltreatment can lead to chronic violent behavior that may continue into adulthood.

Updated on March 19, 2010