NCJ Number
133920
Journal
Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 18 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1991) Pages: 448-463
Date Published
1991
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This study examined the relationships between the types and extent of childhood abuse and victimization experienced by young black and white males and their subsequent involvement in violent crime. The model is based on data collected from 100 male inmates incarcerated for violent offenses and a control group of 65 nonincarcerated, nonviolent males matched on age, race, and neighborhood.
Abstract
The hypothesized relationships among the nature and extent of abuse, race, and violent crime were only partially supported. While there was evidence that the extent of abuse is related to violent offending only for whites, blacks who lacked parental supervision had a higher likelihood of engaging in violent crimes. The authors note that the limited size and retrospective self-report methodology of this study limit its findings. Future research should focus on the impact of childhood experiences as they relate to violent crime on black and white subjects. 3 tables, 4 notes, and 40 references