The effect of childhood physical and sexual abuse on adolescent weapon carrying

Author: Leeb, R. T. / Barker, L. E. / Strine, T. W.
Publication: J Adolesc Health
Topics: Age Group Domestic Violence Gun Carrying
Keywords: Abuse Adolescent Childhood
Bibliographic information +

The authors examined the relationship between early sexual abuse and physical abuse and subsequent weapon carrying in adolescence while taking into account personal, environmental, and demographic characteristics. Based on results from a self-report survey administered in schools in a high-risk community, almost one-quarter of weapon carrying reported by girls was attributable to early childhood sexual abuse. Experiencing sexual abuse was not a factor in reported weapon carrying for boys. Adolescents who reported early physical abuse were 28% more likely to report weapon carrying than adolescents who did not; no gender difference was detected.