Victimization and polyvictimization among Spanish adolescent outpatients

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze lifetime and past-year victimization and polyvictimization experiences in adolescent outpatients from a southern European country. The sample included 149 adolescents (35.6% boys, 64.4% girls), aged 12 to 17 (M = 14.28, SD = 1.45). Experiences of victimization were assessed using the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire (JVQ; Finkelhor, Hamby, Ormrod, & Turner, 2005). Results showed that 99.3% of those interviewed had experienced at least one type of victimization during their lifetime, and 84.6% reported past-year victimization. Gender and age differences were found. Based on community criteria, the proportion of polyvictims in the sample was 32.2% for lifetime victimization and 20.1% for past-year victimization. When assessing children in the context of outpatient mental health services, it is essential that clinicians explore any history of exposure to violence, as this information is crucial in determining the young person’s therapeutic needs.