Crimes committed against children are particularly disturbing because they involve the victimization of an especially vulnerable and often defenseless population. Research reveals that crimes against children too often go unreported. The information provided by this Bulletin documents the need to adopt policies and practices that encourage the reporting of crimes against children and that make it easier for these young victims to receive the assistance they need. Violence After School. Responses to concerns about violent tragedies in and around schools must be based on facts.
Research indicates that students are safer at school than away from school.
Moreover, they commit fewer crimes during school hours than after school ends, and statistics show that serious violent juvenile crime peaks in the hours immediately following the close of school. The data reported in this Bulletin document the need for schools and communities to develop strategies for youth during afterschool hours and demonstrate the desirability of exploring such policy changes as flexible work schedules so that parents can provide more direct supervision during these crucial hours. Data presented include police protection, judicial and legal services, and corrections expenditure and employment for Federal, State, and local governments in 1995 and national trend data for 1980 to 1995. Occasionally, you will be given special instructions. Go to the online version to take advantage of live links to all the publication and World Wide Web site addresses featured in this issue.