are yesterdays victims today's perpetrator?

Answer 1

Well, my fiance works with at-risk youth, and he claims that an overwhelming number of violent offenders have also been victims of some sort earlier in their lives. Now he's working with some of the children of teens he had worked with 17 years before.

Many victims seem to find the ability to break the chain, but I think for a large part, the writing on the wall is pretty clear for them. For some, the effect may not appear as violent criminal acts, but may emerge in other forms of anti-social behavior like drug & alcohol abuse, self-harm, and in serious mental disorders.

So - has no one else noticed this trend, or are teens not high on the list of social reform agendas?

Answer 2

Not necessarily. There are many adults who were mistreated as children and they are not continuing the cycle. I believe that we reach an age where we DECIDE what our actions will be and the consequences of those actions. Some people never reach that maturity level. Others do. Some are victims and go on to perpetuate the cycle but others don't. Why some do and some don't is a great question.

Answer 3

It sure seems like it in the Middle East. The Israelis are attacking innocent Lebanese people left and right, claiming that they're really only attacking the Hezbollah, they're targeting UN stations, even after they were told what they were hitting after the first shelling, and they keep attacking the Palestinians. And all to protect their homeland. Gee, wasn't it the Palestinian homeland before the UN decided that it would be for the Israelis? I think I might just be fighting to get my land back, too. But of course, I can't say that--it would be anti-Semitic.

Answer 4

Not necessarily, thank God. If that were true the world would be an even bigger mess than it is today. Most of us have been victimized at one point or another (unless you're very lucky). Most of us choose not to continue that behavior and that is all that saves society from wiping itself out yesterday.

Answer 5

As to whether the victim will become an abuser (rather than the victor) depends on many things, including time. I myself had a very hurtful childhood. But a hurtful childhood does not equal complete sociopath. I admit I was once mean & controlling to a cat, but I have completely grown out of that. I have a very loving, gentle relationship with my present cat. He is never locked away at night, never yelled at in a bullying way, never caged, never used as a mop for his vomit/pee. (You can infer from these statements what I did long ago.) I do not even bathe him in the sink anymore, which was a horror for him. I trust he can lick himself *clean enough*. (- I have never gotten sick by petting him then handling food or rubbing my eyes.)
As for humans...I could've hated men, I could've hated whites, I could've hated blacks...I could have hated mothers, life & humanity. I do get pissed at times at these groups, but I try to have understanding & compassion & to take each person as an individual. I find that bitterness feels worse than letting go & gentleness is the essence of Life.

Answer 6

do you mean from this life time? there are way too many factors involved when attempting to answer this question. It goes beyond nature vs nurture, allowing you to delve into karma, reincarnation and the purpose of people's very beings.

Answer 7

If they are, then they have become victims twice over.

Answer 8

sometimes,but its not always the case,just because for instance someone was molested doesn't mean they will be.

Answer 9

Your answer will be reviled tomorrow.

Answer 10

Not always but it would seem so.