Violent Victimization Histories and the Victim-Offender Overlap among Incarcerated Youth: Toward Trauma-Informed Juvenile Justice

Abstract

This study examines the victim-offender overlap among incarcerated youth in Taiwan’s juvenile correctional facilities, focusing on how violent victimization histories shape their experiences of misconduct and victimization during confinement. Drawing on a national census of youth in custody, multinomial logistic regression was employed to compare victim-offenders with victims-only, offenders-only, and uninvolved youth. Results indicate that violent victimization prior to incarceration is the most consistent factor distinguishing victim-offenders from all other groups. Additional differentiating factors include age, poverty, low self-control, street gang involvement, institutional stressors, and in-facility peer and family support. These findings highlight the need for trauma-informed interventions and early prevention to mitigate cycles of harm and promote rehabilitation.

Plain Language Summary

Youth Who Have Been Hurt Before Are More Likely to Be Both Victims and Offenders in Juvenile Facilities

This study looks at young people living in juvenile correctional facilities in Taiwan. Many of these youth have experienced violence earlier in their lives, either at home or in their communities. When they enter correctional facilities, some of them continue to experience harm from others, and some engage in harmful behaviors themselves. Some do both. This is known as the “victim-offender overlap.” Using national survey data from youth in all juvenile facilities in Taiwan, this study compared four groups: youth who were only victims in the facility, youth who only committed misconduct, youth who were both victims and offenders, and youth who did neither. The goal was to understand what makes the victim-offender group different. The study found that the most important factor separating the victim-offender group from the others was a history of being violently harmed before entering the facility. In other words, young people who were hurt or abused earlier in life were much more likely to both hurt others and be hurt while confined. Other factors also mattered, such as growing up in poverty, having difficulty controlling emotions, being involved in street gangs, and the level of stress or support experienced inside the facility. These findings show that what happens to young people before they enter the juvenile justice system continues to affect them inside it. If past trauma is not recognized and addressed, cycles of harm can continue. The results suggest that juvenile facilities should use trauma-informed approaches. This means identifying youth who have been harmed, understanding how trauma affects behavior, and providing counseling, emotional support, and safer environments. Breaking cycles of victimization and offending is essential for rehabilitation and supporting youth in returning to their communities in healthier ways.