Victimization, Youth

Zina McGee & Adrianne Gilbert & Kendrick Henley

Youth victimization is generally defined as violence and/or crimes perpetrated against youth. This definition can include physical assaults such as hitting, punching, and kicking, sexual assaults such as rape and molestation, and other crimes such as theft and bullying. Furthermore, youth victimization can be both direct (being the victim of violence or crime) and indirect (witnessing violence and crimes perpetrated against others). Research shows that youth between the ages of 12 and 17 have the highest rates of victimization for both crime of violence and crimes of theft. This entry addresses specific factors that lead to minority youth victimization and their subsequent involvement in violence. Criminologists and sociologists have suggested several possible explanations for patterns of youth victimization. Some theorists suggest that lifestyle and routine activities contribute to victimization, while others suggest that a victim's individual traits may increase victimization. Those suggesting lifestyle explanations emphasize the lack of protection and ...

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