NCJ Number
148943
Date Published
Unknown
Length
6 pages
Annotation
In an effort to begin moving the needs of girls from "margin to center" in the debate about youth violence, this fact sheet presents information on the increase in aggressive acts committed by girls in the U.S.
Abstract
During the 1980's, girls' arrests for violent crimes increased faster than boys'; girls' arrest rates for murder and nonnegligent manslaughter between 1985 and 1989 increased 18.9 percent and their arrests for aggravated assault rose 35.9 percent. The National Adolescent Health Survey reported that 24 percent of girls surveyed reported being involved in at least one violent confrontation during the preceding year. In a 1990 survey, 8.1 percent of female high school students reported having carried a weapon during the previous month; 24 percent in the National Adolescent Health Survey said they could obtain a gun if they wanted one. However, most statistics show that violence prevention programs targeted at girls are nearly nonexistent, and those that do operate are underfunded. Girls are also victims of violence committed by family members, family friends, and peers. Many female inmates report having been the victim of physical and sexual abuse; 44 percent of girls arrested for murder or nonnegligent manslaughter had killed a parent, stepparent, or other family member. 25 references