Juvenile victimisation in a group of young Sri Lankan adults.

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.