Juvenile Victimization Research Articles

The impact of child maltreatment on poly-victimization

증적으로 검증함을 목적으로 한다. 그리고 아동학대 효과를 보다 엄격하게 검증하기 위해 성향점수매칭(Propensity score matching) 분석 방법을 적용하고자 한다. 이를 위해 한국형사정책연구원에서 2014년 진행한 청소년 대상 범죄피해조사 에서 수집된 중, 고등학생 총 7,109명을 대상으로 수집한 횡단데이터를 활용하였다. 주요 분석 결과는 다음과 같다. 첫째, 전체 연구대상자 중 아동학대를 경험한 청소년은 전체의 약 6.9%(n=490)로 나타났다. 둘째, 성향점수매칭을 통해 외생변인을 통제한 이후, 순수 아동학대 효과가 다중피해에 미치는 위험은 7.42배로 검증되었다. 세부유형의 경우, 또래에 의한 성추행과 목격 및 간접피해를 제외한 모든 폭력 피해, 재산 피해, 성피해 등 직접 피해의 위험은 최소 5.98배에서 최대 16.58배 높은 것으로 검증되었다. 이는 청소년의 아동학대 피해는 거의 모든 유형의 직접적인 범죄 피해에 유의미한 영향을 미치는 것을 의미한다. 이러한 결과를 바탕으로 청소년의 아동학대 및 다중피해 예방을 위한 정책적 제언을 실시하였다.This study aims to examine the effect of intra-familiar child maltreatment on poly-victimization which includes various types of extra-familiar violence, crime victimization, by applying for propensity score matching (hereafter PSM). Cross-sectional data of a sample of 7,109 adolescents aged 15-18 years were obtained from the Juvenile Victimization in Korea in 2014 conducted by Korean Institute of Criminology. Main results are as follows. First, participants who exposed to child maltreatment occupied 6.9% (n=490). Second, after controlling for selection effects using PSM, child maltreatment group had 7.42 times higher effect on total poly-victimization score than those who control group. Specifically, the risk of direct victimization including physical assault and bullying, sexual and property victimization was higher ranged 5.98-16.58 times in child maltreatment group. Results suggested child maltreatment is strong predictor on almost all types of direct juvenile victimization even after applying for PSM method. Based on results, political and practical implications suggested.

Registration and the Closure of Stranger-Perpetrated Sex Crimes Reported to Police.

A key goal of sex offender registration is to assist law enforcement in sexual assault investigations; to identify potential suspects when the perpetrator's identity is unknown. To date, however, no research has assessed the utility of sex offender registries in closing cases of sexual assault when the incident involved stranger perpetrators. Addressing this gap, the study drew on the National Incident-Based Reporting System (1992-2001) to test the effect of registry implementation on closure of stranger-involved sex crimes across six states. Comparing closure speeds from before and after registration began in each state, multivariate survival models showed incidents of stranger-perpetrated sexual assault were cleared 23% to 28% faster post-registration implementation. Incidents with juvenile victims and incidents with additional crimes beyond the sexual assault also closed significantly faster (regardless of whether a registry existed).

VICTIM BEHAVIOR OF MINORS VICTIMS OF VIOLENT CRIMES:
 CONCEPT AND TYPES

Introduction. The lack of unity of approach in the definition of the term “victim behavior” necessitates a review of existing definitions and classifications of this subjective factor of victimization in order to develop and further use in the study of specific types of pre-criminal behavioral manifestations of victims. Purpose. The purpose of the study is to identify the most suitable for the study of victimization of minors from violent crimes against life and health, the definition of the category of “victim behavior”, a description of the behavioral deviations of juvenile victims of violent crimes and the development of their classification. Methods. The study is based on a dialectical approach, using methods of analysis, synthesis, comparison, classification. In addition, sociological research methods (study of criminal case materials) were used. Results. The author suggests that the definition of “victim behavior” be based on the concept of social norm, and the classification of victim behavior is based on the nature of deviation from the norm. The frequency of this or that deviation is traced on a representative array of criminal cases studied on violent crimes against the life and health of minors committed on the territory of three sub-federal entities. Conclusion. The information provided can serve as a guide for preventive activities aimed at correcting the behavior of minors, contributing to the commission of violent crimes against them against life and health.

ELECTRONIC SEGMENT IN THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE LAW OF THE LATVIA

The article deals with the electronic segment in criminal procedural law in Latvia. It analyses both specialized electronic tools of criminal procedure in the form of information system (judicial information system) and non-specialized electronic tools of criminal procedure. The author studies the requirements for electronic recording of specific investigatory actions (interrogation of a juvenile victim and witness, questioning, exhumation, line-up for identification). The research focuses as well on the electronic component of special investigatory actions (correspondence control, communication facilities control, data control in an automated data processing system, content control of the transmitted data, audio or video location control, individual audio control). It provides further evidence for the possibility of implementing procedural actions using technical means (telephone conference, videoconference) if the interests of criminal proceedings so require. It is made clear that it is the duty of individual subjects of criminal proceedings at the request of the person who administers the proceedings to immediately notify in writing postal or e-mail address for managing written communications. The author outlines the terms for sending notifications in criminal proceedings and subpoenas to the individual’s email address. The article also investigates the procedure for publishing electronic images of a detainee, suspect, victim and witness in the media. It studies the regulations for recording the course of a court hearing in full size using audio, video or other technical means, as well as recording the parole by means of electronic surveillance. According to the results of the study, the author proposes to take into account a number regulations in criminal procedural law in Latvia when developing proposals for improving domestic criminal procedural law, including: interrogation of a minor using technical means and a psychologist in another room; the obligation to provide in writing postal or e-mail address for managing written communications and the possibility of sending a notification as for the decision with the enclosed copies to that e-mail address; sending summons to an email address; the procedure for the publication in the media of images of the suspect, victim and witness taken during the proceedings; arranging the parole using electronic surveillance.

The juvenile victimization questionnaire: Psychometric properties and poly-victimization among Portuguese youth

BackgroundThere is a growing body of literature about poly-victimization among children and adolescents. The Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire (JVQ) is the most used measure to assess poly-victimization; however, it was not validated in Portugal, and it is unknown how it compares to other countries. ObjectivesAnalyze the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the JVQ, access the poly-victimization prevalence, and compare differences among age and gender.Participants and Setting.The sample was composed of 849 Portuguese adolescents between 12 and 17 years old (M = 13.70, SD = 1.43). MethodsParticipants completed a socio-demographic questionnaire and the JVQ. ResultsThe JVQ showed a good model fit (χ2 (5 6 1) = 8493.76, p < .001, CFI = 0.98, TLI = 0.98, RMSEA = 0.02 CI90% [0.016; 0.024]) and good psychometric properties. There are significant differences in poly-victimization between younger and older age groups. The prevalence of certain types of victimization differed between gender and age. Girls had a higher probability of psychological or emotional abuse and boys had a higher probability of assault and burglary of the family household. The age group 12–14 years old had a higher probability of assault without weapon whereas the age group of 15–17 years displayed a higher probability of being a victim of child maltreatment, dating violence, sexual victimization, and witness to assault. ConclusionsThe findings emphasize that JVQ is a good instrument to identify poly-victimization and several types of victimization, which can foster the development of adequate psychosocial intervention programs to reduce victimization.

Use of demonstration means (anatomic dolls) during interrogation of a minor

The article deals with the use of demonstration means during the interrogation of minors who are victims of violent crimes, including those committed on sexual grounds. It is noted that in practice it is very difficult to communicate with children affected by violence. First, the child locks himself in and does not want to tell the stranger what happened to her. Secondly, at a young age, a child may not be able to correctly describe an event because of a lack of terminology, especially that of anatomical parts of the body. It is possible to obtain the necessary testimonies from a child without stress and psychological trauma through the use of anatomical dolls, since the child associates himself with the doll and can even show how it has been harmed. That is, by asking a "third party" question, it is better to establish contact between the psychologist or the investigator and the child. Not only children, but also people with certain mental health problems, impaired language and sensory sensations, etc., can better express what has happened to them through demonstration tools. The characteristics of such demonstration means as "anatomical dolls" are highlighted, the principles of their use are outlined, attention is paid to their importance for pre-trial proceedings. A variety of demonstration options are offered, depending on the situation at the interrogation. It is substantiated that it is necessary to conduct the interrogation without unnecessary psychological traumatism in a child-friendly environment in which it will feel safe. The best option is to interview in a "crisis room" that is specifically tailored to handle this category of people, including video conferencing. Tactical and procedural peculiarities of engaging in the interrogation of juvenile victims of violent and sexual crimes, a psychologist, a legal representative and other obligatory participants are explored. Knowing the peculiarities of psychological development at a certain stage of the child's development, it is the psychologist who will help the investigator to give a correct assessment of the testimony of a minor and to formulate questions in terms of pedagogy and psychology.

Childhood maltreatment and its mental health consequences among Indian adolescents with a history of child work

Objectives:Although the prevalence and mental health consequences of childhood maltreatment among adolescents have been studied widely, there are few data addressing these issues in Asian lower middle–income countries. Here, we assessed the prevalence and types of childhood maltreatment and, for the first time, examined their association with current mental health problems in Indian adolescents with a history of child work.Methods:One hundred and thirty-two adolescents (12–18 years; 114 males, 18 females) with a history of child work were interviewed using the Child Maltreatment, Conventional Crime, and Witnessing and Indirect Victimisation modules of the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire. Potential psychiatric diagnoses and current emotional and behavioural problems were assessed using the culturally adapted Hindi versions of the Youth’s Inventory–4R and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, respectively.Results:A large proportion of the sample reported childhood abuse or neglect (83.36%), direct or indirect victimisation (100%) and experienced symptoms of one or more psychiatric disorders (83.33%). Of the most common maltreatment types, physical abuse was present for 72.73% (extra-familial 56.25%, intra-familial 42.71%), emotional abuse for 47.7% (extra-familial 74.6%, intra-familial 12.9%), general neglect for 17.4% and unsafe home for 45.5% of the adolescents. All these maltreatment types were associated with poor mental health, with emotional abuse showing the strongest and wide-ranging impact.Conclusions:Indian adolescents with a history of child work are at an extremely high risk of extra-familial physical and emotional abuse as well as victimisation. They also experience a range of psychiatric symptoms, especially if they suffered emotional abuse. There is an urgent need for routine mental health screening and to consider emotional abuse in all current and future top-down and bottom-up approaches to address childhood maltreatment, as well as in potential interventions to ameliorate its adverse effects on mental health and well-being, of child and adolescent workers.

Реализация права на защиту несовершеннолетних, ставших жертвами преступлений

The article is devoted to the analysis of issues of legal regulation and the realization in modern conditions of the rights to protection of adolescents who have suffered as a result of the crimes committed against them. Legal literature, legislative acts, as well as judicial and investigative practice on this issue have been analysed. On the basis of the study, problems of ensuring the right to protection of juvenile victims in criminal proceedings were identified, as well as proposals for improving the norms of criminal procedure legislation regulating this sphere of activity and their application were justified.

Последствия сексуального насилия и злоупотребления в отношении несовершеннолетних: гендерная специфика

The article presents the results of a comprehensive psychological and psychiatric study of 155 juvenile victims of sexual violence and abuse. The article states the most common psychological consequences of experienced sexual violence and abuse in various spheres of mental activity among groups of boys and girls. The quantitative and qualitative characteristics of these consequences have significant differences in the groups of victims, depending on the mental condition and gender. It was found that common symptoms are manifested in the emotional-volitional, semantic and behavioral spheres. The gender specifics of the consequences of sexual violence and abuseamong girls mostly appear in internal forms (feelings of guilt, difficulties in establishing social contacts, negative attitude to male role models, close relationships). While external forms of that consequences prevail among boys (increased excitability, reactions aggression, opposition and negativism, sexualized behavior, hypermasculine compensation) alongside increased mental stress, sense of shame, violation of gender-role identity, complaints of disturbance in the somatic sphere and a decrease of productivity in school.

Structure of Interrogation of Juvenile Victims of Violent Sex Crimes

The development of a single certified approach to the process of obtaining the testimony of minor victims, the availability of pre-formulated questions in an understandable for a child manner is one of the ways to increase the effectiveness of interrogation. Domestic forensics does not allocate a dedicated structure for questioning juvenile victims of sexual violence. International practice has different protocols, among which we should highlight the NICHD and RATAC, individual achievements of which can be used effectively in the domestic tactics. The working stage of the interrogation must pass through the stages of establishing psychological contact, acquaintance, explanation of the purpose and procedure of the investigative action, small talks, casual talk of a minor about the sexual abuse, questions, and the use of auxiliary elements. Particular attention should be given to the instructions to minors concerning the rules for replies "I do not know, I do not remember, I do not understand", as due to their age they may not clearly understand them. The stage of a minor's casual talk provides little information, so the question stage is of high importance. We offer to pay special attention to the form of questions, since a child, based on it, concludes if the interrogator implies a "correct" answer. Having considered closed, open, direct, non-structural and abstract questions, we conclude that there is some feasibility for using open-ended questions, direct questions as clarifying, while setting other types of questions should be kept to a minimum. Unstructured questions can be used when asking only minors of senior school age, if the level of their development make it possible. Despite the criticism of anatomical dolls and charts, their use is possible in some strictly defined cases, if other means were not effective.

Safe harbor law: pre- to post-implementation change in service providers’ knowledge and response to sex trafficking of minors

ABSTRACT Over the past decade, the majority of states in the United States have enacted laws that include legal protection and/or rehabilitative services for juvenile victims of human trafficking. This mixed-methods study investigates the effect of safe harbor legislation on key agency personnel’s awareness, knowledge, and capacity for responding to sex trafficking of minors (STM) from pre-implementation to post-implementation in Kentucky. Service providers’ perceptions of the effectiveness of the safe harbor law post-implementation were also examined. Telephone surveys were conducted with 323 service providers in 2012−2013 pre-implementation of the safe harbor legislation and again in 2016−2017 (n = 365) using a semi-structured interview tapping into the professionals’ experiences with cases of STM and the perceptions of these respondents regarding the impact of the law. Significant positive changes in the provision of training, the use of trafficking-specific protocols, collaborations with other providers, and the treatment of youth victims were detected from pre- to post-implementation. Some unintended consequences were also noted in how cases are perceived and handled in several service sectors. Increased training, funding, and solutions for legal and placement issues, which continue to challenge communities’ responses to STM, are needed to improve the impact of safe harbor legislation.

INTERNATIONAL LEGAL PROTECTION OF JUVENILE VICTIMS (CHILD VICTIMS) FROM CRIME

Purpose: The article considers legal issues relating to the international legal standards and principles for the protection of child victims from crime, the current problems of implementing these norms in the legislative process of modern Russia.&#x0D; Methodology: In the process of writing the article, we actively used dialectical, comparative, formally logical, inductive and deductive methods.&#x0D; Result: The policy provisions on the legal status of child victims of crime are enshrined in the international regulatory documents, on the basis of which different legal institutions of national criminal procedure law are formed. The states that recognize prescriptions of an international nature assume the obligation to legally certify such models of criminal proceedings, in which not only the rights of children recognized as victims would be ensured but the principles of the presumption of innocence, competition, humanity, justice, which are the most important legal guarantee of the rights of the accused, would be observed.&#x0D; Applications: This research can be used for universities, teachers, and students.&#x0D; Novelty/Originality: In this research, the model of the International legal protection of juvenile victims (child victims) from crime is presented in a comprehensive and complete manner.

Revisiting Juvenile Justice with Victim Lens

Juvenile offenders also remain victims of multifaceted and complex social needs, and hence termed as children in conflict with law in India. Statistically, juvenile offending as well as juvenile victimization continues to be a persistent problem too. Children being in their vulnerable age in both scenarios of offending or being victims can have long-lasting impact; consequently, emphasis on developmental victimology becomes essential and unavoidable in a structured and safe setting. The dynamics that may place a child to come in conflict with law can also place a child at risk of being a victim. Juvenile crime victimization, therefore, needs a relook towards their intertwined relationship without excluding the other. Around various jurisdictions, victimology has been given a vital role within the juvenile justice (JJ) system, namely circle sentencing, victim–offender mediation and reconciliation programmes, wherein all stakeholders including the victim move towards a collective satisfaction. Through the present study, the effort would be placed on answering the viability of victim-based approach in JJ: Whether in the absence of a safe structured setting such reconciliation and mediation programmes can prove effective towards restoration? How victim-based justice can be included in cases of violent or serious and heinous offences?

Sexual Abuse and Assault in a Large National Sample of Children and Adolescents.

The present study sought to examine features of sexual abuse cases among a U.S. nationally representative sample of 13,052 children and adolescents, ages 0-17 years. The National Survey of Children's Exposure to Violence was collected in three different years (2008, 2011, and 2014) via telephone interviews. Information about sexual abuse and assault was obtained from youth themselves (ages 10-17) or caregivers (for children ages 0-9) using the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire. Results indicate most offenses are at the hands of other juveniles (76.7% for males and 70.1% for females), primarily acquaintances, and occurring more frequently for adolescents aged 14-17. Whereas girls are mostly abused by males (88.4%), boys are abused by both males (45.6%) and females (54.4%). In 15% of cases, penetration is part of the abuse. Victims report being very afraid in 37.5% of episodes but not at all afraid in 19.8%. Among 10- to 17-year-olds, 66.3% of episodes are not reported to parents or any adult. Police reports occur for 19.1% of all cases. The results in the present study indicate that children and youth are exposed to sexual abuse and assault in varied ways, which require moving beyond conventional stereotypes of the problem.

Poly-victimization, resilience, and suicidality among adolescents in child and youth-serving systems

BackgroundAdolescents in child and youth-serving systems often present a high risk of emotional and behavior problems, which may include suicidal behavior. The presence or absence of these problems may be due to personal or contextual factors and the possible protective role that they may exert. ObjectiveTo examine the relationship between poly-victimization, resilience, and suicidality among adolescents in child and youth-serving systems. MethodParticipants and setting: 227 adolescents, aged 12 to 17 years (M = 15.24; SD = 1.56), recruited from residential centers in Spain or the Spanish juvenile justice system, completed the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire, the Youth Self-Report, and the Adolescent Resilience Questionnaire for assessment of victimization, suicidality, and resilience respectively. ResultsPoly-victimization during lifetime was reported by 61.7% and some kind of suicidality by 39.6% of the total sample. Logistic regression results showed that in the first step, suicidality was twice as likely in poly-victims as in the other respondents (OR = 2.13, 95% CI 1.12–3.90, p = .014). In the second step, the six resilience domains (self, family, peers, school, community and educators) were added. The self-domain emerged as statistically significant; it was associated with a lower probability of the occurrence of suicidality (OR = 0.32, 95% CI 0.14–0.70, p = .004) and explained significant added variance in suicidality over and above the measures of poly-victimization. In depth analysis of the subtypes that make up the self-domain found emotional insight to be statistically significant (OR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.73–0.92, p = .001). ConclusionsThe findings highlight the importance of self-resources as a key intervention objective in adolescents with suicidal behaviors and poly-victimization.

Sexual Victimization of Juveniles Incarcerated in Jails and Prisons: An Exploratory Study of Prevalence and Risk Factors

ABSTRACTThis exploratory research quantifies the prevalence of sexual victimization of juvenile inmates ages 16–17 housed in the adult correctional system in the United States, using data collected from 1,618 juveniles during the National Inmate Survey (NIS-3) conducted between 2011 and 2012. The study presents a number of policy directives to further reduce the number of inmates under the age of 18 subject to sexual crimes while incarcerated. First, there is a need for inmates aged 16 and 17 to be extensively screened for risk of victimization at intake. Second, correctional administrations need to clearly define, communicate, and model appropriate behavior for employees, and to respond swiftly and definitively when a reported incident occurs. Lastly, states, counties, and territories must reassess both their juvenile waiver policies and their protocols for housing juveniles in facilities with older inmates. The NIS data, as well as prior research, indicate that juveniles are being waived into the adult justice system, and housed pretrial in adult facilities, for non-violent offenses. Key stakeholders in criminal justice, child welfare, state legislatures, and the general public should demand greater transparency within the waiver process.

Victimization and poly-victimization in a community sample of Mexican adolescents

BackgroundIn Mexico, there is a little information about child and youth poly-victimization. ObjectiveThe present study aimed to analyze the prevalence of victimization and poly-victimization in a community sample of Mexican adolescents aged 12–17 years. Participants and settingsThe Mexican version of the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire was applied to 1068 adolescents (504 females and 564 males) at six public schools. MethodsDescriptive analyses were conducted to establish the prevalence of six types of victimizations and poly-victimization. Odds ratios were used to estimate differences between the genders and age groups. ResultsNearly 80% of the adolescents reported at least one experience of victimization during the past year, while 85.5% reported at least one experience of victimization in their lifetime. Conventional crimes (65.6%) and indirect victimization (61%) were the most frequent types of victimization reported. Of the sample, 35.9% were classified as poly-victims in the past year. Girls experienced a broader spectrum of victimization than boys. Specifically, girls experience more caregiver victimization (OR = 1.56, 95% CI=1.21-2.02), sexual victimization (OR = 2.46, 95% CI=1.73-3.50), and electronic victimization (OR = 1.81, 95% CI=1.33-2.47), in their lifetime. Older adolescents experienced more witnessing victimization (OR = 1.48, 95% CI=1.16-1.88) and caregiver victimization (OR = 1.52, 95% CI=1.15-2.00) during the past year. ConclusionsThis study is the first to be carried out in Mexico with an instrument that enables cross-cultural comparisons. Our findings highlight the necessity to increase research in this field to improve both intervention programs and public policies to prevent child victimization.

Современные ювенальные технологии в уголовном процессе России

The article deals with the implementation of international and domestic law in the field of juvenile criminal justice as well as norms aimed at protecting the rights and legal interests of juvenile victims. The concept of juvenile technologies is briefly analyzed, the conclusion is made about the need to expand its content in terms of the coverage of the interests of the minor victim. In the course of the study gaps in the regulatory framework were identified, and some problems of law enforcement were highlighted. There are analyzed the novels of the criminal procedure legislation of recent years. Emphasis is placed on the need to prioritize the protection of juvenile victims and the humanization of criminal procedural policies in relation to them. Among the most pressing issues are questions about the procedural capacity of minors when applying for a crime, expanding the categories of victims under the age of 18 who are eligible for legal assistance from the federal budget. The issues of mediation in criminal cases involving minors are addressed. The experience of individual subjects of the Russian Federation on the application of specific juvenile technologies that are relatively new to the domestic legal system is analyzed and summarized. Also on the basis of statistics of the Judicial Department at the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation an assessment has been made of the use of traditional measures applied to minors in the framework of criminal justice.

Protective Factors for Violent Victimization in Schools: A Gendered Analysis

ABSTRACTWhile the link between childhood abuse and future victimization has been developed, the effects of other negative events in childhood on future victimization, and whether protective factors may guard against it, remains unclear. To address this topic, the relationships between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES), protective factors, and violent school victimization were assessed using a sample of 12,850 boys and 14,121 girls in 8th, 10th, and 12th grades. Non-abuse ACES items were found to significantly predict violent school victimization for both boys and girls, and protective factors were found to moderate the relationship between the two in several instances. Future research should examine ACES items separately by gender, and the cumulative effect that different protective factors may have on juvenile victimization.

History of abuse and neglect and their associations with mental health in rescued child labourers in Nepal.

Little is known about rates of childhood maltreatment in low-income countries, particularly among marginalised sectors of society. Economic hardships mean that in such countries, many children and young people are exploited in the labour force and/or are trafficked, placing them at greater risk for being exposed to other forms of maltreatment. Cultural norms endorsing the use of physical and emotional acts to discipline children further exacerbate this risk. Here, we assessed the rates of childhood victimisation experiences and associated mental health problems in Nepalese youth rescued from illegal child labour including trafficking. One hundred and three young people aged 12-18 years living in out-of-home care institutions and rescued from child labour/trafficking completed translated versions of selected modules from the Juvenile Victimisation Questionnaire, the Youth Inventory and the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. Care-home employees responsible for looking after the young people completed the Adolescent Symptom Inventory and the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. Analysis described maltreatment frequencies and compared individuals who had and had not experienced any form of maltreatment on the presence/absence of psychiatric diagnoses. Seventy-two percent of participants experienced some form of maltreatment in their lifetime. Rates for each maltreatment type were 46.6% for physical abuse, 40.77% for emotional abuse, 27.2% for sexual abuse and 33% for neglect. Symptoms indicative of anxiety disorders and trauma were commonly reported especially in victims of childhood maltreatment. Our estimates of physical abuse in this at-risk juvenile sample were commensurate to those reported in general-population youth samples in Nepal, but sexual and emotional abuse rates were somewhat lower. The potential presence of anxiety and trauma in this sample that may result from maltreatment requires replication, but underscores an urgent need for routine mental health screening in rescued child labourers during rehabilitation efforts.