Juvenile victimization in Portugal through the Lens of ISRD-3: lifetime prevalence, predictors, and implications

Abstract

This study examined the lifetime prevalence of juvenile victimization, its demographic and socio-economic correlates, and predictors, using a random sample of 7–12th grade classes in three different-sized cities in Portugal. The sample consisted of 4,048 students (mean age = 15.27, standard deviation = 2.08). The overall prevalence of victimization, the diversity of its forms, and the prevalence of minor and serious victimization were calculated and used as broad measures. Findings show that half of the participants reported having suffered at least one victimization experience. Bivariate analyses revealed that specific demographic variables (age and city size) and socio-economic variables (relative family and personal affluence, number of caregivers, parents’ and personal immigrant status and father employment status) were associated with all broad measures of lifetime victimization. Multivariate analyses showed that being older (16-21 years), living in a medium or large city, having low relative family and personal affluence, and immigrant status were found to be associated with a heightened risk of lifetime victimization. These results allow us to identify patterns of youth victimization in Portugal, monitor its evolution, and compare these data cross-nationally.