There is a common misconception that ‘kids will be kids’ however, youth is a turbulent time for most young people. The media portrays an image that youths are gang leading, knife wielding terrors and an all-round threat to society.

This dissertation embarked on a journey to question whether children and young people become a victim to their own crimes by previous experiences of family and paternal violence. The study intended to explore the potentiality of the implications of turbulent upbringings causing a repercussion of crime committing behaviours in 10-17-year olds.

The study approach used a thematic analysis of existing secondary research as a method for data collection using government issued grey literature, charitable organisational reports and peer reviewed journals from the UK. The use of international research became useful to contrast and compare arguments made in the UK and provided a clearer understanding of how young people are impacted by their childhood experiences.

Main findings of the study included arising themes of, adverse childhood experiences, children who have been or are looked after by local authority care and being a witness to familial domestic violence. Themes were supported by Beckers Labelling Theory and Walkers Cycle of Violence Theory.

Overall, the study worked in support of published data, articles and theories which guided the research process. The report produced and highlighted findings arising from the study which could be used by practitioners who work with young people involved in the youth justice system to inform their practice.