NCJ Number
235256
Journal
Child Abuse & Neglect Volume: 35 Issue: 6 Dated: June 2011 Pages: 401-407
Date Published
June 2011
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This study investigated the abuse histories of homeless youth to identify their levels of self-reported physical and sexual abuse, their self-perceived effects of past abuse, and their current interest in treatment for past abuse.
Abstract
The study examined a sample of homeless youth in Salt Lake City, UT, and found: 84 percent of the youth reported experiencing physical and/or sexual abuse before the age of 18; 42 percent reported both physical and sexual abuse; 72 percent reported still being affected by their abuse; 44 percent of abuse victims reported being interested in receiving treatment for their abuse; and 62 percent of youth who were still being affected by abuse indicated a desire to receive treatment for their abuse. The aim of this study was to investigate the abuse histories of homeless youth in Salt Lake City, UT. Data for the study were obtained from a sample (n=64) of homeless and street-involved individuals, aged 18-23, who completed questionnaires and structured assessments detailing their histories of physical and/or sexual abuse, and their tobacco use and substance abuse. The analysis found that homeless youth were more likely to be male (67 percent) and White (78 percent). In addition, a large percent of the sample, 44 percent, had not completed high school or received a GED. The analysis also confirmed that past histories of physical and/or sexual abuse are common among homeless youth, and that a significant portion of homeless youth with abuse histories are still being affected by abuse and have a strong desire to receive treatment for their past abuse. The study also identified other factors that may play a role in the abuse histories of homeless youth. Implications for future research are discussed. Tables, figure, and references