The study examined physical and sexual abuse among 372 homeless and runaway adolescents through interviews. It found high rates of physical and sexual abuse, often beginning before age 12 and perpetrated by family members. For physical abuse, the majority of perpetrators were biological parents, while for sexual abuse, the majority were non-family members like strangers or acquaintances. Both males and females experienced abuse, though females reported more sexual abuse and males more physical abuse. The abuse often had lasting physical and emotional impacts.

1. Perpetrators of early physical and sexual abuse among homeless and runaway adolescents Researchers: Kimberly A. Tyler, Ana Mari Cauce Reviewed By: Rebecca Eitnier, Brian Jiggetts

11. Type and frequency of early physical abuse and neglect Before on own, how often did any adult or someone at least 5 years older then you ever… Females N=154 Males N=172 Total N=326 Throw something in anger 112 73% 106 62% 218 67% Push, shove or grab you 128 83% 138 80% 266 82% Slap you in face/head 124 81% 122 71% 246 76% Hit you with something 107 70% 124 72% 231 71% Beat you up 64 42% 66 38% 130 40% Threaten with gun/knife 50 32% 47 27% 97 30% Assault with gun/knife 13 8% 18 11% 31 10% Go day w/o food, water, shelter, clothing 32 21% 28 16% 60 18% Abandon you for at least 24 hours 73 47% 70 41% 143 44%

16. Type and frequency of early sexual abuse Before on own, how often did any adult or someone at least 5 years older ever… Females N=144 Males N=166 Total N=310 Ask you to do something sexual 38 26% 30 18% 68 22% Make you watch them do something sexual 14 10% 15 9% 29 9% Make you show your private parts in person/on camera 18 13% 14 8% 32 10% Have you touch them sexually 25 17% 21 13% 46 15% Kiss or touch you sexually 43 30% 21 13% 64 21% Force you to do something sexual 42 29% 20 12% 62 20% Put or try to put something into you sexually 23 16% 13 8% 36 12%