From Victimization to Criminalization: The Relationship between Victimization, Poly-victimization and Delinquency

• In Event: Victims as Offenders, Victimization under Correctional Supervision and State-Sanctioned Violence

Abstract

Victims and offenders are often studied and treated as two distinct groups. However, repeated studies have shown a link between the two. In early childhood, victimization may be a precursor to delinquency. There is considerable evidence of a link between child maltreatment (including abuse, neglect and exposure to crime) and delinquency. Victimization has thereby mostly been defined as having been the immediate victim of crime and most studies focus on violent victimization, abuse or neglect as well as exposure to crime (witnessing family or community violence). In this paper we will examine victimization as a criminogenic factor. Based on a sample of 1400 youths ages 12-17 in Quebec, we examine self-report lifetime victimisation, victimisation in the past 12 months and poly-victimization in relation to self-report delinquency. The findings show that poly-victimization is strongly related to delinquency.

Authors

• Jo-Anne M. Wemmers, École de criminologie, Université de Montréal

• Katie Cyr, Université de Montréal