Gender differences in recidivism rates for juvenile justice youth: the impact of sexual abuse

Law Hum Behav. 2014 Aug;38(4):305-14. doi: 10.1037/lhb0000062. Epub 2013 Oct 14.

Abstract

Young female offenders represent a growing number of young offenders. Studies have shown that youth in the juvenile justice system, particularly young females, report higher rates of lifetime sexual abuse than their nonoffending peers. The aim of this study was to examine gender differences in risk factors for recidivism, including a history of sexual abuse, among a juvenile court clinic sample. Findings suggest that, even after accounting for previously identified risk factors for recidivism such as prior legal involvement and conduct problems, a history of sexual abuse is the most salient predictor of recidivism for young female offenders, but not for males. The development of gender-responsive interventions to reduce juvenile recidivism and continued legal involvement into adulthood may be warranted.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Juvenile Delinquency / statistics & numerical data*
  • Male
  • New England
  • Recurrence
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sex Factors