Childhood Maltreatment and the Risk for Criminal Justice Involvement and Victimization Among Homeless Individuals: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Homeless individuals are at higher risk of criminal justice involvement (CJI) and victimization compared to their housed counterparts. Exposure to childhood maltreatment (CM; e.g., abuse, neglect) is one of the most significant predictors of CJI and victimization among homeless populations. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize current knowledge regarding the relationship between CM and CJI and victimization among homeless individuals. Guided by the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) methods, a systematic search was performed using PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature for published studies investigating the relationship between CM and CJI and victimization among homeless samples. We identified 20 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Findings showed that across the majority of studies, CM, and in particular childhood physical (CPA) and sexual (CSA) abuse, is associated with increased risk of both CJI and victimization, regardless of various important factors (e.g., sociodemographic characteristics, psychiatric disorders, substance use). These findings support the need for prevention and treatment for "families at risk" (i.e., for intimate partner violence, child abuse and neglect) and also document the need for trauma-informed approaches within services for homeless individuals. Future research should focus on prospective designs that examine victimization and CJI in the same samples.

Examining the Relationships between Cumulative Childhood Adversity and the Risk of Criminal Justice Involvement and Victimization among Homeless Adults with Mental Illnesses after Receiving Housing First Intervention

“…These findings are in line with a growing body of research confirming that a history of ACEs is associated with subsequent higher rates of CJI and victimization among homeless adolescents and adults, regardless of other important factors. 6 These results also provide support for prior studies indicating that exposure to ACEs has an enduring negative effect on brain functioning and physical and mental health 35,36 and that the standard mental health care for individuals with psychiatric illnesses may not be sufficient for those with histories of ACEs (see 27 ). Continued exposure to victimization and CJI may hinder recovery from mental illnesses and inhibit an individual's ability to transition out of homelessness.…”

“…Our recent systematic review of 20 studies on the association between childhood maltreatment and subsequent CJI and victimization among homeless individuals indicated that experiences of childhood maltreatment, and in particular childhood physical and sexual abuse, are associated with increased risk of both CJI and victimization among homeless persons. 6 This association was significant regardless of important factors such as demographic characteristics (e.g., age, ethnicity, gender), diagnosis of psychiatric disorders, problems with family, age first living on own, deviant subsistence strategies, deviant peers, and substance use. 6 Various factors may contribute to these heightened risks.…”

“…6 This association was significant regardless of important factors such as demographic characteristics (e.g., age, ethnicity, gender), diagnosis of psychiatric disorders, problems with family, age first living on own, deviant subsistence strategies, deviant peers, and substance use. 6 Various factors may contribute to these heightened risks. In particular, one study found that ACEs was the primary reason for running away from home and early homelessness, 7 which may consequently elevate the risk of involvement with antisocial peers, substance abuse, and engaging in survival behaviors/subsistence strategies among homeless individuals.…”

Wohnungslosigkeit und seelische Erkrankungen

“…Zudem kommt es gehäuft bei Personen auf der Straße, die frühkindliche Traumaerfahrungen haben, gehäuft zu erneuten Diskriminierungs- und Gewalterlebnissen [ 18 , 19 ]. Häufig erwarten Menschen in Wohnungslosigkeit basierend auf diskriminierenden Vorerfahrungen erneuter Stigmatisierung auch in Einrichtungen des Gesundheitssystem ausgesetzt zu sein und meiden dieses; erhebliches Misstrauen in die Behandlung kann daraus resultieren [ 2 , 22 , 35 ].…”

Correlation Between Fractures and Abuse in Children: A Retrospective Analysis

“…2,3 Another important term is non-accidental trauma: action resulting from an act of omission, direct or indirect action that results in harm to the child or impairs his/her health and physical, mental or emotional development. 5 In addition to being a public health problem, exposure to child abuse is associated with negative long-term consequences, including involvement with the criminal system 6 and recurrent use of mental health services. 7 The Brazilian Penal Code foresees, in Article 136, the crime of child abuse and since the implementation of the Child and Adolescent Statute, through the Federal Law No.…”