Safe Rhode Island:
Violence and Injury Prevention Program

Myths about violence 
and violent youths

Myth #1: Most future offenders can be identified in early childhood. Child abuse and neglect always lead to violent behavior later in life.
Myth #2:African-American and Hispanic youths are more likely to become involved in violence than other racial or ethnic groups. 
Myth #3:A new, violent breed of young super-predators threatens the United States.
Myth #4:Getting tough with juvenile offenders by trying them in adult criminal courts reduces the likelihood that they will commit more crimes. 
Myth #5:Nothing works with respect to treating or preventing violent behavior. 
Myth #6:Most violent youths will end up being arrested for a violent crime. 

Reproduced from the Youth Violence: A Report of the Surgeon General