Trauma Experiences in the Backgrounds of Violent Young Offenders

Professor Gwyneth Boswell

Abstract:
There is growing evidence of the impact of childhood and adolescent trauma on
young people across the life course. This article focuses on trauma in the backgrounds of violent juvenile offender groups, on which the author has conducted research over the last 20 years. It contends that such trauma frequently goes unidentified, and requires proper recognition from professionals and policymakers in the process of delivering criminal justice.

Key words: Childhood trauma/violence/violent young offenders/abuse/loss/age of criminal
responsibility/post-traumatic stress disorder/PTSD