This paper utilizes a national longitudinal probability sample of
children to demonstrate how important exposure to multiple forms of
victimization (polyvictimization) is in accounting for increases in
children's symptomatic behavior. The study is based on two annual
waves of the Developmental Victimization Survey that began with a
nationally representative sample of children and youth ages 2 to 17. A
broad range of victimization experiences were assessed using the 34-item
Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire. Eighteen percent of the children
experienced four or more different kinds of victimization (polyvictims) in
the most recent year. Polyvictimization in the most recent year was highly
predictive of trauma symptoms at the end of the year, controlling for
prior victimization and prior mental health status. When polyvictimization
was taken into account, it greatly reduced or eliminated the association
between most other individual victimizations and symptomatology
scores.For the purposes of compliance with
Section 507 of PL 104-208 (the “Stevens Amendment”), readers
are advised that 100% of the funds for this program are derived from
federal sources (US Department of Justice). The total amount of federal
funding involved is $353,233.