Reviews the literature concerning the association between adolescent abuse and the predisposition to violence and other antisocial behavior. Reviews the family dynamics of abuse and recent work in sexual abuse and its relationship to male sexual offenders. Helping professionals should be aware of these factors. (JAC)

Studied 43 youthful male offenders. Over 50% of subjects had antisocial, antiauthority values; did not know how to be anything other than criminal; had been subjected to physical, psychological, or sexual abuse; were members of minority group; and were gang members. Whites were less likely to be gang members; those who were tended to be Skinheads…

The police, court officials, social workers, and the public in general perceive street children negatively: their behavior is deemed deviant. This paper examines the concept of deviance as a label placed on the powerless by those in positions of power. (Author)