At a glance
Researchers at Northwestern University are working to better understand the needs of young people involved with the juvenile justice system who are at particularly high risk of experiencing firearm violence.
Initial findings
Northwestern University researchers studied data from young people arrested or detained in Cook County, Chicago, following up with them for more than 15 years into adulthood.
The research team found that more than three out of four boys and three out of five girls had been threatened with a weapon before age 18. Nearly one in 10 boys had been shot, with significant disparities —nearly one in four Hispanic male youth were injured by a gunshot before age 18.
In adulthood, 41.3% of males and 10.5% of females engaged in firearm violence (i.e., threatening with or using a firearm). The adults involved with firearms as adolescents were at higher risk of later gun violence.
These researchers' findings draw attention to the needs of those involved with the criminal justice system at a young age. Preventing community violence and addressing trauma from experiencing violence by ensuring access to mental health services can help prevent future involvement in gun violence.