Violence in the lives of high risk youth: A descriptive epidemiology

Background: Research indicates that ‘high risk' youth such as injection drug users and the homeless are often victims of violence. Methods: Data are based upon in depth interviews with 62 young injection drug users (IDUs) aged 16-29 recruited in Los Angeles between 2005 and 2007. Questions focused on dimensions of violence. Findings: All of the youth were IDUs, all were currently homelessness and all had histories of involvement in the criminal justice system. Many of these youths grew up with violence: 37.1% described the neighborhoods they grew up in as ‘unsafe'; 56.5% mentioned bullying in their schools; and 53.2% discussed violence and fighting in their neighborhoods. Abuse in the home by a parent or guardian was relatively common: 39.7% reported physical abuse; 3.2% were forced to use drugs/alcohol; 7.9% were forced to have sex. Moreover, 17.5% reported at least one of these forms of abuse by other youth in these households. Abuse by an adult in an institutional setting was less common: 16.1% reported physical abuse; and 1.6% reported sexual abuse. Violence on the streets or while homeless was more common: 51.6% were physically abused/fought; 3.2% were forced to used drugs/alcohol; 25.8% were forced to have sex. Moreover, 64.5% witnessed at least one of these forms of violence. In terms of violence perpetration, 46.8% have physically abused someone at least once either in a household setting, institution, or while experiencing homelessness. Conclusion: The data offer further support for a relationship between violence victimization and violence perpetration amongst high risk youth.