Risk factors of children’s victimisation and their changes between 2013 and 2022.

• In Event: Victimization of minors

Abstract

Researching the risk and protective factors for children’s victimisation is crucial for developing targeted preventive methods. However, studies examining the changes in the significance of these factors over time are scarce. This study investigates the risk and protective factors for child sexual abuse and child maltreatment victimisation in 2022, comparing them to those recorded in 2013. The analysis is based on Finnish child victim surveys conducted in 2013 and 2022, with representative samples of Finnish sixth and ninth graders. Logistic regression models and average marginal effects were employed to compare the risk factors between the samples. Data were initially analysed within separate samples, which were then combined to better establish between-year differences by examining the moderation effect of time. Most risk factors remained consistent between 2013 and 2022. For both victimisation experiences, the same three variables were the most prominent in both years. However, the models also revealed differences for both experiences, partially verified through moderation analysis. These differences indicate that different groups of children are now at a higher risk of victimisation than in 2013. These findings suggest that changes in risk factors for children’s victimisation may occur over time, highlighting the need for updated research to effectively target children at risk.

Authors

• Sari Maarit Hautamäki, Tampere University

• Noora Ellonen, Research director

• Laura Mielityinen, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University