Papers
Juvenile victimisation in a group of young Sri Lankan adults
Authors:
Aswini D Fernando ,
Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, LK
Wasantha Karunasekera
Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, LK
Abstract
Objective To study the prevalence of juvenile victimisation in a group of young adults.
Method A juvenile victimisation questionnaire was distributed among 1322 Sri Lankan undergraduates. The questionnaire consisted of different modules (child maltreatment, conventional crime, peer-sibling victimisation, indirect victimisation, introduction to substances and parental deprivation).
Results The response rate was 90%. The mean age of the cohort was 21.8 years. 59% were females. 44% and 36% had experienced sexual and physical maltreatment respectively. In both categories males were affected more than females (p < 0.001). Physical abuse had commonly taken place at school (51%) and home (40%). Witnessing violence at home was the highest form of indirect victimisation (66%). 10% were introduced to substances in childhood. Usage of substances (cigarettes, alcohol and drugs) was significantly higher in children whose fathers used substances compared to children whose fathers did not (p < 0.001).
Conclusion Many children in Sri Lanka are exposed to victimisation. They seem to suffer these in the very environments that should be nurturing and protecting them.
Key words: juvenile victimisation, child maltreatment, Sri Lanka
DOI: 10.4038/cmj.v54i3.1200
Ceylon Medical Journal Vol.54(3) 2009 80-84
How to Cite:
Fernando, A.D. and Karunasekera, W., 2009. Juvenile victimisation in a group of young Sri Lankan adults. Ceylon Medical Journal, 54(3), pp.80–84. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/cmj.v54i3.1200
Published on
13 Oct 2009.
Peer Reviewed
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