Question

Which of the following is a true statement about violent crime in america?

a. teens are more likely to both commit violent crimes and be victims of such crimes.
b. teens are more likely to commit violent crimes, whereas older adults are more likely to be victims of such crimes.
c. older adults are more likely to commit violent crimes, whereas younger adults are more likely to be victims of such crimes.
d. older adults are more likely to both commit violent crimes and be victims of such crimes.

Answer 1

The correct answer is that teens are more likely to commit and be victims of violent crimes. Violent and gun-related crime rates have decreased over the past decades, with youth still being highly involved in these crimes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The true statement about violent crime in America is: a. Teens are more likely to both commit violent crimes and be victims of such crimes.

Understanding crime trends is complex, but research has shown that violent and gun-related crimes have decreased since the early 1990s. In the United States, violent crime rates reached a peak around this period, attributed in part to sociodemographic factors and the emergence of drugs like crack cocaine in the 1980s. The following decades saw significant changes due to policies aimed at reducing crime. However, adolescents remain disproportionately involved in violent crimes, both as perpetrators and victims.

While teens are often involved in such incidents, older adults are less likely to commit or be the target of such crimes. This is supported by data that show a higher incidence of violent criminal behavior among youth, particularly in social settings with less community cohesion and higher levels of social disorganization.