Dader- en slachtofferschap onder Brusselse scholieren.

Abstract

Objective: This paper describes the phenomenon of juvenile delinquency in Brussels. The purpose of this paper is to upholster and nuance the debate on juvenile delinquency (offending and victimization) among youth in Brussels. In particular, the authors describe the measurement of offending and victimization, the frequency of both phenomena in Brussels and the comparison with juvenile delinquent behaviour in Flanders. In the second place, the authors examine the correlates of persistent juvenile delinquency (both offending and victimization).

Results:
– Prevalence offending: The results show that following acts of crime are most prevalent among youth in Brussels: dodging (41,3%), truancy (14%) and small theft (maximum value 5 euro’s) (11%) (percentages according to youth who committed these crimes at least 3 times in the past year). Next, the results show that boys are more prevalent among the offending rates. This gender difference is especially significant for violence, carriage of weapons and vandalism. Finally, 15,9% of the Brussels youth is labelled as a persistent offender. A persistent offender is an offender who conducted at least 3 different types of crime (except truancy and dodging).
– Brussels versus Flanders: o Dodging is more prevalent among youth in Brussels o For other criminal acts differences between Brussels and Flanders are not significant o There is a strong relationship between criminal offending and the prevalence of delinquent peers. This is especially the case among truants. o The prevalence of self-reported police reports among Brussels youth is higher.
– Correlates of offending: the results stress on the importance of following correlates: responsiveness of the parents, perceptions towards the neighbourhood, risky leisure (going out, having delinquent peers and alcohol – drug use).
– The authors find a strong relationship between offending and victimization. The correlates for offending and victimization are very similar. The relationship between offending and victimization remains significant, even after controlling for risky leisure. Brussels youth who commits delinquency also increases their likelihood to be the victim of delinquent crimes.

Conclusion: Contrary to public opinion, differences in the rate of juvenile delinquency between Brussels and Flanders are not found. Next, the authors stress on the importance of the relationship between offending and victimization. The results show that this relationship isn’t mediated by risky leisure and that the strength of the relationship remains even after controlling for relevant correlates. The authors conclude that the act of delinquency itself enlarges the likelihood of being a victim by processes of retribution.