U.S. Latinos (From Reason to Hope: A Psychosocial Perspective on Violence & Youth, P 119-132, 1994, Leonard D Eron, Jacquelyn H Gentry, et al., eds. -- See NCJ-158633)

• NCJ Number: 158638
• Author(s): F I Soriano
• Date Published: 1994
• Length: 14 pages
• Sale Source: American Psychological Assoc
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

As with comprehensive demographics on Hispanics in the United States, data on social problems facing this group, including violence victimization rates, have not been systematically collected.

Abstract

Anecdotal and regional data on homicide suggest that such cities as Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and Miami experience relatively high homicide rates among Hispanic populations. Estimates indicate that Hispanic gangs are responsible for more than a third of all homicides in the United States, and statistics indicate a relatively high level of violence among Hispanic youth. Although few studies of physical and sexual abuse among Hispanics have been conducted, some studies suggest that sexual abuse in particular may be somewhat prevalent among Hispanic youth. Limited data on the incidence of Hispanic youth violence indicate the need to examine available information on risk factors associated with violence. Research on violence risk factors suggests that age, marital status, education, income, occupation or employment status, home ownership, and place of residence are all associated with both youth and adult violence. An additional factor significantly affecting violent incidents involving Hispanic youth is access to weapons. The need for more data on violence prevalence rates among Hispanic youth is emphasized, and public policy recommendations are offered. 48 references