Assessing Risk, Vulnerability, and the Victim-offender Overlap among Gun-involved Youth

• In Event: Developmental Approaches to the Victim-Offender Overlap

Abstract

Prominent theoretical perspectives applied to the victim-offender overlap typically focus on individual heterogeneity in traits related to risky behaviors or apply a lifestyle approach to consider differential exposure to risky situations. Gun-related offending provides a meaningful context to further develop both types of explanations. Extant literature has identified individual-level traits linked to violent offending and victimization. It also supports gun carrying as a key lifestyle characteristic. This study applies a life course approach to closely examine juvenile involvement in gun violence as victims and offenders. We use a unique dataset linking the health information (e.g., medical history, records from well visits) and criminal justice records (e.g., pre-sentencing reports, charges) of 440 youth court-ordered to participate in a violence prevention program in Indianapolis, IN between 2016 and 2019. All participants in the sample were charged with at least one gun or violent offense and around 24% were victims of a criminal shooting or died. We conduct a series of between- and within-individual analyses assessing the relationship between developmental risk factors, offending, and victimization. The implications for theory and policy are discussed.

Authors

• Jennifer O'Neill, Indiana University Bloomington

• Natalie K. Hipple, Indiana University Bloomington