Gender Differences in Recidivism Rates for Juvenile Justice Youth: The Impact of Sexual Abuse
Date
2014
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Law and Human Behavior
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.
Description
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Article
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Keywords
juvenile justice, recidivism, gender differences, sexual abuse
Citation
Conrad, S. M., Tolou-Shams, M., Rizzo, C. J., Placella, N., & Brown, L. K. (2014). Gender differences in recidivism rates for juvenile justice youth: The impact of sexual abuse. Law and human behavior, 38(4), 305.