Problem behaviours in abused and neglected children grown up: prevalence and co‐occurrence of substance abuse, crime and violence

Abstract This paper describes the prevalence of and patterns of overlap among four problem behaviours (alcohol abuse, drug abuse, non‐violent crime and violence) in abused and neglected children grown up. Using data from a prospective cohort design study, abused and neglected children were matched with a control group and followed up into adulthood (n = 1190). After controlling for parental alcohol and drug problems, parental arrest, childhood poverty and ethnicity, we found that abused and neglected females, but not males, are at significantly higher risk for substance abuse/dependence diagnoses and arrests for violent crimes than control group subjects. Abused and neglected males and females, as compared with controls, have higher rates of comorbidity for substance abuse and non‐violent arrests. Abused and neglected females are at greater risk for comorbidity for substance abuse and violent arrests as well, as compared with control females. Overall, the results reveal gender differences in the consequences of childhood victimisation. Copyright © 1997 Whurr Publishers Ltd.