Youth Violence: Facts And Myths

 Although such key indicators of violence as arrest and victimization data clearly show significant reductions in violence since the peak of the epidemic in 1993, an equally important indicator warns against concluding that the problem is solved. Self-reports by youths reveal that involvement in some violent behaviors remains at 1993 levels.

Exhibiting uncontrolled behavior or being diagnosed with a conduct disorder as a young child does not predetermine violence in adolescence. A majority of young people who become violent during their adolescent years were not highly aggressive or "out of control" in early childhood, and the majority of children with mental and behavioral disorders do not mature into violence.

Physical abuse and neglect are relatively weak predictors of violence. Most children who are abused or neglected will not become violent offenders during adolescence.

Most youths involved in violent behavior will never be arrested for a violent crime