title: Adolescents as victims and perpetrators of violence.
abstract: The hallmark of adolescent development is risk-taking behavior, mostly benign in nature, with no sequelae in adulthood. For that small number of adolescents for whom risk-taking behaviors are dangerous, for themselves and others, there are common childhood factors that may lead to those behaviors. In studies of adolescent victims, as well as perpetrators, a common theme can be identified, ie, maltreatment. The adolescent who visits Internet chat rooms, meets unknown individuals, and is later sexually assaulted by that individual is often a victim of sexual abuse in earlier childhood. Studies demonstrate that when adolescents are perpetrators of violent acts, they have a history of childhood physical abuse and often ongoing exposure to violence in their homes. For victims and perpetrators, there can be a common source of primary prevention in children rather than secondary interventions later in adolescence. That source can be a medical care provider in a medical home. Discussion of Internet usage with a 10-year-old by a medical provider may prevent later victimization. Identification and provision of services to families involved in domestic violence situations can help children establish positive adult roles with peers and future partners.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, 462 First Avenue, Rm GC-65, New York, NY 10016, USA. Lori.Legano@nyumc.org
authors.forename: Lori
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Legano
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McHugh
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology; D019548:Crime Victims / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007604:Juvenile Delinquency / Q000523:psychology; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D014754:Violence / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*