The pathway from childhood victimisation to crime : a grounded theory approach

Abstract

The link between childhood victimisation and crime has been established in many studies. Although many studies have been conducted to investigate this phenomenon, few qualitative studies have been conducted in this regard. This study aims to explore the pathway that leads from childhood victimisation to crime, in depth with special consideration to the offending population within the Maltese context. A qualitative approach, specifically grounded theory (GT) methodology was chosen to gain a deeper understanding of this phenomenon. Data was gathered through semi-structured in-depth interviews that were conducted with 7 convicted male offenders aged between the ages of 21 and 48. Whilst most of the participants were Maltese nationals, the sample also included foreign participants who live in Malta and who were also found guilty by the Maltese Criminal Justice System (CJS) of committing crime. Data was then analysed using Strauss and Corbin’s (1990) approach to GT. Since this study employs GT, no hypothesis was defined a priori. The results of this research were consistent with previous studies in that it confirmed the interrelated and complex relationship between childhood adversity and crime. The effects of childhood victimisation were long-lasting and spread across different life domains of the victimised individual. This study exhibits the prevalence of childhood victimisation amongst offenders within the local context and highlights the need for Trauma-Informed Practices within the Maltese CJS.