| dc.description.abstract | This study aimed at establishing the nexus between childhood victimization and juvenile
offending on a social structural level. This study sought to meet the following specific
objectives; to investigate the effect of family victimization on juvenile offending, to examine
the effect of neighborhood victimization on juvenile offending, and to assess the effect of
institutional victimization on juvenile offending. This study was conducted at Shikusa Borstal
Institution in Kakamega County, Kenya. The study adopted the general strain theory to
elaborate on the link between childhood victimization and juvenile offending. The research
adopted a cross sectional research design. Mixed methods of data collection were utilized to
collect qualitative and quantitative data. A sample of 198 juvenile delinquents was obtained
through simple random sampling, and 26 heterogeneous key informants were sampled
purposively and they included 1 officer in charge of Borstal institution, 5 probation officers, 5
Children’s officers 5 wardens, 5 teachers and 5 matrons. This study used both primary and
secondary data. Primary data was obtained through questionnaires from the juvenile delinquents
while interviews were utilized for key informants. Secondary data was obtained through a
literature review of published journals, books, and written records. A pilot study was conducted
at Shimo La Tewa Borstal Institution to ensure the feasibility of the research, validity, and
reliability of the research instruments to be used in data collection. The internal consistency of
the questionnaires was analyzed using Cronbach’s Alpha Coefficient and a coefficient of 0.791
obtained. Quantitative data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics with
the help of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29.0 for windows.
Qualitative data was analyzed thematically and presented concurrently with quantitative data.
Findings of the study revealed that family victimization and juvenile offending were
significantly correlated (r=0.618; P<0.01) with regression analysis revealing a coefficient of
determination (R2) of 0.318 implying that 31.8% of the variance in juvenile offending in
Kakamega County was attributed to childhood victimization. It was also established based on
the findings of the study that neighborhood victimization and juvenile offending were
significantly related (r=0.523; P<0.01) and linear regression analysis for neighborhood
victimization and juvenile offending revealed a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.219
implying that 21.9%% of the variance in juvenile offending in Kakamega County was a result
of neighborhood victimization. In addition, it was revealed from findings of the study that
institutional victimization and juvenile offending were significantly related (r=0.509; P<0.01)
and linear regression between institutional victimization and juvenile offending revealed a
coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.197 meaning that 19.7% of the variance in juvenile
offending in Shikusa Borstal Institution was as a result of childhood victimization. In light of
the study findings, it was concluded that childhood victimization had a significant effect on
juvenile offending, where different forms of victimization experiences have different effect on
juvenile offending In Shikusa Borstal Institution Kakamega County. The study recommends
implementation of family-based interventions targeting childhood victimization risk factors,
engage community support for at-risk youth, and adopt evidence-based interventions in schools
to combat victimization. This study's findings expand knowledge on childhood victimization
and juvenile offending, offering valuable insights for policymakers in Kenya and beyond. | en_US |
