Youth-on-Parent Violence in a Central Illinois County

Abstract

Research on family violence has focused on spousal violence and child abuse with little attention to youth-on-parent violence. Limited survey data suggest that 10% of all juveniles hit their parents. These assaults create long-term detrimental effects. This study of 83 adjudicated juveniles in central Illinois, charged with domestic battery or violence against their parents, examined demographic characteristics of the juveniles and their parents/caretakers, reported criminal behaviors, drug/alcohol use, gang involvement, medical/mental/emotional/behavioral conditions, and school disciplinary problems. In addition, family dynamics, such as criminal convictions of family members, were analyzed. Juveniles’ mental/emotional conditions, drug/alcohol use, and gang involvement played important roles in parent battering.