Potential moderators of the cycle of violence among high-risk children and families

• In Event: Victimization Experiences from Childhood through Early Adulthood

Abstract

The cycle of violence theory posits that childhood maltreatment increases the likelihood of future violence, but not all victims become offenders, suggesting that certain factors may moderate the impact of maltreatment on offending. This paper examines whether the timing (e.g., childhood-limited versus adolescence-limited) and type (physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect) of maltreatment affect the likelihood of subsequent substance use and delinquency. Data for this research will be taken from the Longitudinal Studies on Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN), a prospective, longitudinal study. The LONGSCAN sample includes 1,354 children and families from five geographic regions in the United States who were identified at baseline as “at risk” for experiencing maltreatment based on demographic characteristics and contact with child protective services agencies. Participants are ethnically diverse (e.g., 53% African American), providing the opportunity to also examine race/ethnicity as a moderator of the relationship between maltreatment and detrimental outcomes in adolescence. Results of this study will enhance our understanding of the cycle of violence and can inform policies and practices intended to mitigate the negative consequences of child maltreatment.

Authors

• Kristen Benedini, University of Florida

• Abigail Fagan, University of Florida