“I hear gunshots sometimes.” Youth, Ubiquitous Violence, and Non-Victimization

• In Event: Children and Youths as Victims of Crime

Abstract

The current study utilizes an asset-based approach to examine inner city youths’ non-victimization. Interview findings suggest that a common theme in youth narratives is their experiences with ubiquitous violence. Specifically, youths constantly filter multiple forms of violence including what they hear, hear about, and see. Drawing on normative approaches and to broaden my scope of inquiry, I utilize these findings to further explore the relationship between youth experiences and non-victimization. Survey findings illustrate the importance of information gathering in youths’ non-victimization in violent neighborhoods. Findings are unique and highlight the importance of asset-based approaches to research with inner city youth of color.

Author

• Stacia Gilliard-Matthews, Rutgers University