ABSTRACT
This chapter summarizes the research linking maltreatment to later criminal behavior, discusses the particular mechanisms by which researchers think maltreatment impacts the developmental course. It considers this idea of maltreatment as a pathogen in terms of its utility in informing the prevention of later delinquent and criminal behavior. The theoretical connection between child maltreatment and later criminal behavior dates back to at least the early 1960s, based on the belief that victims would inevitably become abusers. An ecological framework for understanding the influence of maltreatment takes into account factors at the individual, family, community, and societal levels. Minority youth, particularly African American youth, are overrepresented among youth with official records of criminal behavior, and experience poverty at multiple levels. Lower-income families are also more likely to live in disadvantaged neighborhoods, and disadvantaged neighborhoods have higher concentrations of risk factors such as exposure to violence in the community and poorly performing schools.
