Disentangling the Impact of Female Victimization Across Racial and Ethnic Lines

A systematic review of socioecological factors, community violence exposure, and disparities for Latinx youth

“…Results from prospective studies indicated links between ECV and school drop‐out (Peguero, 2011), aggression (Williams et al., 2014), antisocial behavior (Schilling et al., 2007), weapon involvement (Kemal et al., 2018; Shetgiri et al., 2016), and high‐risk sexual behavior (Brady et al., 2008). Furthermore, there was also evidence of behavioral outcomes across both cross‐sectional and prospective studies that illustrated the links between ECV and behavior problems (Aisenberg, 2001; Foster & Brooks‐Gunn, 2013; Gudiño et al., 2011, 2012, 2018; Peinado et al., 2014; Ramos‐Olazagasti et al., 2013), delinquency or offending (Baskin‐Sommers et al., 2016; Gorman‐Smith et al., 2004; Isom Scott, 2018; Peacock et al., 2003; Rubens et al., 2018; Shukla & Weisner, 2016; Snyder & Merritt, 2014), and substance abuse (Bennett & Joe, 2015; Bermea et al., 2020; Brady et al., 2008, 2009; Cardoso et al., 2016; Goldbach et al., 2015; Poquiz & Fite, 2016; Ramos‐Olazagasti et al., 2017; Russell et al., 2016; Schilling et al., 2007).…”

“…(2016) found higher ECV exposure rates for Latinx compared to White participants between adolescence and early adulthood as well as and consistently higher exposure rates for African American participants compared with White participants of all ages (i.e., range: 14–30 years). In general, African American youth were shown to have significantly higher ECV prevalence rates compared with Latinx youth (e.g., Baskin‐Sommers et al., 2016; Behnken et al., 2010; Isom‐Scott, 2018; Reid & Loughran, 2018), and Latinx youth had significantly higher rates compared with White youth (e.g., Brady et al., 2008; Isom Scott, 2018; Russell et al., 2016). However, there was also evidence suggesting no significant differences in prevalence rates between African American and Latinx youth (e.g., Aisenberg et al., 2008; Russell et al., 2016) as well as higher rates of ECV among White samples compared to Latinx samples (e.g., Foster & Brooks‐Gunn, 2013; Peguero, 2011).…”

“…Eight mediators were established across seven cross‐sectional studies (See Table 1). Several ontogenic factors, such as anger (Isom‐Scott, 2018), binge drinking (Behnken et al., 2010), sleep problems (Rubens et al., 2014), and stress responses (Epstein‐Ngo et al., 2013) were found to mediate the relation between ECV and various outcomes. For example, Epstein‐Ngo et al.…”

A Gendered Look at Latinx General Strain Theory

“…The race and ethnicity literature find people of Color, particularly Blacks and Latinxs, face distinct and disproportionate strains, including discrimination, police injustices, victimization, educational and occupational barriers, economic hurdles, healthcare inequities, and family dysfunction (Cobbina, 2019; Dovidio et al, 2010; Kaufman et al, 2008; Pérez-Escamilla, 2010; Rios, 2007, 2009; Unnever & Gabbidon, 2011; Yearby, 2018). Furthermore, men and boys of Color are more likely to face harassment from the police (García, 2013) whereas women and girls of Color are more vulnerable to direct and vicarious victimization (Isom Scott, 2018a; West & Johnson, 2013) compared to their gendered and racial/ethnic counterparts. Our findings generally align with these notions, finding both Latina and Latino youth experience all forms of the assessed strains—acculturative stress, discrimination, police injustices, financial hardship, limited access to healthcare, and victimization—but to various degrees.…”

Vicarious Family Health Strain and Juvenile Delinquency

“…In other words, the more strain one experiences indirectly, the more likely he or she is to turn to criminal or delinquent behavior. However, the majority of the research has focused on vicarious strains like witnessing victimization, observing violence, and hearing about discrimination (see Baron, 2009; Daquin et al, 2016; Eitle & Turner, 2002; Herda & McCarthy, 2018; Isom Scott, 2018; Lee & Kim, 2018; Lin et al, 2011; McGrath et al, 2012; Zavala & Spohn, 2012). Criminological research has failed to explore the effect of other vicarious strains on behavior—strains that have also been shown to significantly influence crime and delinquency when directly experienced.…”