CHILD-VICTIMS - SEARCHING FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF VIOLENCE

In 1986 I began research to address the relationship between early chi ld abuse and neglect and later deliquent and violent criminal behavior using a prospective cohort design. The relationship is not inevitable , suggesting an opportunity for long-range violence prevention through appropriate early intervention. Here, I briefly describe how childhoo d victimization and violent criminal behavior are related and illustra te a number of promising strategies and opportunities to intervene. Fi nally, I offer five principles to guide interventions: (1) the earlier the intervention, the better; (2) don't neglect neglected children; ( 3) one size does not fit all; (4) surveillance-a double-edged sword; a nd (5) accessibility to resources. Rather than focusing on responses t o child abuse or neglect in court proceedings that ''treat'' offenders , primary prevention efforts should target childhood victims to reduce their risk of becoming offenders in the future.