NCJ Number
114875
Date Published
1987
Length
47 pages
Annotation
In a replication of a 1984 study, interviews were conducted with 399 juvenile detainees in Florida between 1986-1987 to elucidate the relationship between prior physical abuse and sexual victimization experiences and illicit drug use.
Abstract
Subjects were predominantly male (72 percent) and Anglo (51 percent). Only 14 percent lived with both biological parents, and a majority did not live continuously with both biological parents during their first 12 years. A large majority were detained on a new charge, with property offenses such as auto theft and burglary being most common. Large proportions of youth indicated having experienced education problems and psychological problems relating to their use of alcohol or other drugs. A majority had seen a psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker at least once. Of youth, 50 percent reported having been beaten or hit with a whip, strap, or belt; and 43 percent reported having been severely injured during the beating. Overall, 35 percent of detainees (61 percent of females and 25 percent of males) had been sexually victimized. A majority of youth reported illicit drug use, with 70 percent reporting marijuana/hash hish use. Ethnicity (white), age (older), and history of sexual and physical abuse were significantly related to illicit drug use. Results confirm earlier findings of a consistent relationship between child physical and sexual abuse and illicit drug use. 7 tables, 3 notes, and 48 references.