Authors:

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

Keywords: juvenile victimisation, child maltreatment, Sri Lanka