Maltreatment of adolescents: the relationship to a predisposition toward violent behavior and delinquency

This discussion reviews the literature concerning the association between the maltreatment, abuse and exploitation of adolescents and the predisposition to violent and other offending behavior. We review the importance and family dynamics of abuse which bear a relationship to antisocial behavior. The distinction is made between child abuse and adolescent abuse, and controversies regarding the sequelae of various maltreatments are discussed. Recent work in sexual abuse and its relationship to male sexual offenders and male prostitutes is detailed. Adolescents who commit various offenses or are in contact with juvenile justice system may be or have been the victims of various forms of maltreatment and exploitation. Helping professionals caring for these youths should have an understanding of these factors and the underlying dynamics.