NCJ Number
193079
Date Published
2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This study presented research findings on the experiences of peer violence between children living in residential homes.
Abstract
Children placed in residential settings typically display challenging behavior and have conflicting needs. Children with varying histories and personalities may be placed together. This study examined children’s and staff’s experience of physical or sexual violence in children’s homes. The study included interviews of 74 young people between the ages of 6 and 17. Interviews consisted of questions about their past and present experiences of peer violence and aggression. The study explored the various types and levels of attack, such as direct physical assault, physical non-contact, unwelcomed sexual behaviors, and verbal abuse. Several key findings indicated: (1) children managed their experience of peer violence within a framework of values and interpretations of each other’s behavior; (2) serious incidents were often preplanned and occurred away from staff; (3) gender played an important role in the experiencing of all forms of violence and threat; (4) retaliation was the protective strategy most advocated by the young people; (5) staff normalized violence through hierarchical peer group dynamics and through conceptions of emerging masculinities for boys; (6) staff typically intervened in physical and sexual violence, but were less likely to take verbal aggression seriously; (7) racial attacks or insults were unusual and not tolerated; and (8) young people typically relied on other young people for emotional support, not staff.