Double Trouble. Youth from Violent Families: Easy Victims of Crime?

This research paper, based on the 2005 National Youth Victimisation Study, examines the relationship between exposure to family violence and criminal victimisation among South African youth aged 12 to 22. The study finds that young people who witness or experience violence at home are significantly more vulnerable to becoming victims of crime, including violent crimes and repeat victimisations.

• A significant proportion of South African youth are exposed to violence within their homes. Specifically, 22% of respondents witnessed family members intentionally hurting each other, and 40% of those who witnessed such domestic violence reported that a weapon was used. Furthermore, 12% of respondents stated that family members often became physical when angry.
• Exposure to family violence often begins at a young age. Approximately 24% of participants first witnessed family violence between the ages of 6 and 10, while 46% first witnessed it between the ages of 11 and 15.
• Physical punishment remains a common disciplinary method in South African homes despite its abolition in schools. Over a quarter (27%) of surveyed youth reported being caned, spanked, or hit by parents or caregivers, with girls (29%) reporting slightly higher rates than boys (26%).
• There is a statistically significant link between exposure to family violence and increased vulnerability to criminal victimisation. Youth from antagonistic households—where families argued frequently and became physical—reported significantly higher victimisation rates for most crimes studied (p<0.001) compared to those not exposed to such violence.
• Family violence exposure is strongly associated with repeat victimisations. Youth who experienced multiple criminal victimisations were more likely to report exposure to family violence, including frequent arguments and physical altercations. Additionally, those who were caned or spanked at home were more likely to report multiple victimisations.
• Exposure to family violence increases susceptibility specifically to violent crimes, such as robberies and assaults. The author argues that this occurs because children perceive violence as an appropriate conflict resolution technique and often lack parental support following traumatic events because the adults in the home are also caught in cycles of violence.

APA

Leoschut, L. (2006). Double Trouble. Youth from Violent Families: Easy Victims of Crime? Institute for Security Studies. https://issafrica.org/01-jun-2006-sacq-no-16/01-jun-2006-double-trouble.-youth-from-violent-families-easy-victims-of-crime-lezanne-leoschut

Chicago

Leoschut, Lezanne. Double Trouble. Youth from Violent Families: Easy Victims of Crime? Institute for Security Studies, 2006. https://issafrica.org/01-jun-2006-sacq-no-16/01-jun-2006-double-trouble.-youth-from-violent-families-easy-victims-of-crime-lezanne-leoschut.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Leoschut |first1=Lezanne |title=Double Trouble. Youth from Violent Families: Easy Victims of Crime? |publisher=Institute for Security Studies |date=1 June 2006 |url=https://issafrica.org/01-jun-2006-sacq-no-16/01-jun-2006-double-trouble.-youth-from-violent-families-easy-victims-of-crime-lezanne-leoschut |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{leoschut2006double, author = {Leoschut, Lezanne}, title = {{Double Trouble. Youth from Violent Families: Easy Victims of Crime?}}, institution = {Institute for Security Studies}, year = {2006}, month = jun, url = {https://issafrica.org/01-jun-2006-sacq-no-16/01-jun-2006-double-trouble.-youth-from-violent-families-easy-victims-of-crime-lezanne-leoschut}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }