Inquiry Into the Problem of Child Abuse and Juvenile Delinquency (From Exploring the Relationship Between Child Abuse and Delinquency, P 220-232, 1981, Robert J Hunner and Yvonne Elder Walker, ed. - See NCJ-77711)

• NCJ Number: 77723
• Author(s): C M Mouzakitis
• Date Published: 1981
• Length: 13 pages
• Sale Source: Allanheld, Osmun and Co Publishers, Inc
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

This study explored the possible associations between child abuse and juvenile delinquency and between parents' marital and economic status and children's delinquent behavior in a group of 60 girls living in an Arkansas correctional facility.

Abstract

Data were collected through a questionnaire which sought demographic information; the reason for commitment; and information on delinquent behavior, conditions at home, the ways in which the children were disciplined, reactions and effects of the discipline, sexual abuse, and on the girls' feelings towards their parents. The data showed that 40 girls were white and 20 black, that they had a median age of 14.8 years, and that 44 came from single-parent, female-headed households. In addition, 50 percent of the parents were receiving public assistance. Siblings of 67 percent of the girls had also committed delinquent acts and may have served as models for some of the subjects. Fifty-one girls had received physical punishment, while only nine were verbally abused. As a result of the physical punishment, 31 recalled bruises, 15 recalled scars, and 23 remembered bleedings, while 12 had no apparent physical effects. Furthermore, 15 girls were punished once a day, 2 more than twice a day, and 20 once a week. The abused girls' reactions included running away (8); going out in the streets (15); and retreating to rooms, swearing, and crying (17). An examination of the offenses committed showed that 29 had committed status offenses and that 22 had committed nonstatus offenses. The heaviest concentration among the physically abused girls was in stealing (8) and possession of drugs (7). In addition, 32 girls said they had been sexually abused. Analysis of delinquent behavior during the 3 years prior to commitment revealed a progressive trend in delinquent behavior. Finally, of the girls who had been physically abused, 31 had no supervision, and 36 had missed school regularly. Data tables and a 33-item reference list are included.