Because of the lack of comparable data for earlier years, it is not possible to infer whether these data indicate a favorable trend. Data obtained in upcoming years will be used to monitor this outcome. Youth Violent Crime Arrests Washington State serious violent crime arrest rates rose 14 percent among youth and 15 percent among young adults between 1990 and 1993. Simple assault arrest rates of Washington State youth rose 35 percent between 1990 and 1993. Serious violent crimes are defined as homicide, rape, robbery and aggravated assault.
Simple assault is defined as fighting without intent to inflict severe injury.
Washington State shows an increase in youth arrest rates for both these violent crimes. Youth Dropouts and Births to Young Mothers School dropout rates and rates of birth to teenage mothers have been relatively stable in recent years. Statewide, these outcomes are not exhibiting the increases observed for homicides and other forms of violence. Nor, however, are they showing any signs of significant improvement. With a high school dropout rate hovering around seven percent, and more than one out of every hundred women under age 18 giving birth each year, there is clearly room for improvement.