Young People Map Their Movements to Avoid Crime, New Report Reveals
A newly released report from the National Knowledge Center on Violence and Traumatic Stress (NKVTS) paints a troubling picture of youth in today’s society. Many young people are actively cautious about their surroundings, reflecting broader anxieties about crime.
In a survey involving over 6,700 students aged 12 to 16, participants shared their experiences and concerns about violence, abuse, harassment, and digital infringements. The findings reveal that nearly half of these adolescents consciously plan where and when they venture out to minimize the risk of encountering crime.
Strategic Decision-Making
This careful consideration of their movements can be seen as a form of healthy skepticism, according to Else-Marie Augusti, who oversaw the report’s development. Yet, she emphasizes a poignant point:
“We want our young people to experience life as carefree as possible,” she stated in a recent press release.
A Gendered Concern
The report highlights a notable gender disparity in feelings of safety. Augusti noted that girls express greater concern than boys, particularly when navigating their neighborhoods after dark. These young women tend to plan strategically to avert potential threats.
A Disturbing Reality
The statistics reveal a stark reality: more than one in four students reported facing bullying or physical harm, including serious acts of violence such as kicking or punching. Alarmingly, one in five girls and one in four boys have experienced these forms of violence, while one in six girls and one in ten boys disclosed having faced sexual violations from adults.
“Girls are particularly vulnerable to domestic violence and sexual abuse,” Augusti further elaborated.
Concerns extend into the digital realm, with one in six youths reporting online infringements, including the sharing of nude or sexualized images.
The Silence Among Victims
Chillingly, the report finds that very few young people seek help after such experiences. Many choose to remain silent, with a stark lack of incidents reported to authorities, leaving numerous cases invisible to the legal system and support networks. Young individuals frequently grapple with differentiating between “normal” experiences and those that cross the line into criminality, especially concerning situations like teasing or fighting.
A Commitment to Change
The report, commissioned by Astri Aas-Hansen, the Minister of Justice, aims to bolster the government’s commitment to combating crime.
“We are determined to tackle crime,” Aas-Hansen stated, emphasizing that this report could serve as a valuable resource in that fight.
Recognizing that young offenders often emerge from backgrounds where they’ve themselves been victims, Aas-Hansen stressed the importance of identifying at-risk youth to ensure they receive the help they need.