Exposure to Violence and Offending Over the Life Course: The Role of Social Support

• In Event: Exposure to and Consequences of Victimization Across the Life Course

Abstract

The existing body of scholarship on youth and adolescent victimization illustrates a clear relationship between exposure to violence (ETV) and subsequent offending, as well as many other negative outcomes. Nevertheless, one protective factor against these outcomes—particularly offending—is social support. What remains an open empirical question, however, is the extent to which the depth of social support may intervene in the relationship between ETV and offending across the life course. Having a broader constellation of ties to adults may provide youth with the necessary support and care to reduce the effects of ETV on offending. Accordingly, using data from the Pathways to Desistance Study, the current study seeks to understand how the depth of social support received by justice involved youth impacts the relationship between ETV and future offending.

Author

• Kristin Lloyd, Clemson University