This study used a nationally representative sample of incarcerated youth to examine whether youth with a history of victimization were involved in the justice system for different offenses than non-victimized youth, and the relationship between victimization types (and polyvictimization) and offense types.
Youth with a history of victimization have an increased risk of delinquency and justice system involvement throughout the life-course, but the nature of this relationship is imprecise. Results of the current study indicate that victimized youth were more likely to be system involved for violent offenses, while youths without a history of victimization were more likely to be involved for minor, non-violent offenses. (publisher abstract modified)