FACTORS INFLUENCING JUVENILE DELINQUENCY IN PAYATAS-A, QUEZON CITY: AN ASSESSMENT

Abstract

Juvenile delinquency refers to illegal actions committed by minors, ranging from minor infractions like truancy to more serious offenses such as burglary and violent acts. A significant contributing factor to juvenile delinquency is exposure to domestic violence. Children who witness or experience violence within their homes may internalize these behaviors as normative, potentially leading them to replicate such actions.​  Impact of Domestic Violence on Juvenile Delinquency:  Normalization of Violence: Children exposed to domestic violence may come to view aggressive behavior as acceptable, increasing the likelihood of them engaging in similar actions. ​  Emotional and Behavioral Issues: Experiences of domestic abuse can lead to emotional distress, behavioral problems, and difficulties in school, all of which are associated with higher rates of delinquency. ​ ojp.gov  Cycle of Abuse: The intergenerational transmission of violence suggests that children who grow up in abusive environments are more prone to becoming abusers or victims themselves, perpetuating the cycle of delinquency. ​  Addressing the Issue:  To mitigate the influence of domestic violence on juvenile delinquency, comprehensive interventions are essential. These should include:​  Family Support Programs: Offering counseling and resources to families to address and prevent violence. ​  Educational Initiatives: Implementing school-based programs that promote conflict resolution and emotional intelligence. ​ Nicewicz  Community Engagement: Establishing community centers and activities that provide positive role models and safe environments for youth. ​ Nicewicz  By addressing the root causes of juvenile delinquency, particularly the impact of domestic violence, society can work towards breaking the cycle and fostering healthier environments for future generations. This research utilized a descriptive research design with a quantitative approach. The researchers distributed questionnaires to twenty (20) police officers, thirty (30) barangay officials, and fifty (50) residents of the Payatas-A community in Quezon City. After the selected respondents completed the questionnaires, the researchers will survey with each of the selected participants. The study's results indicate that the factors influencing juvenile delinquency in Payatas, Quezon City, include a lack of parental guidance, peer pressure, and environmental influences. Respondents reported "Strongly Agree" regarding the significant issue of insufficient family guidance as a contributing factor to this problem. This study recommends providing parenting education and support programs to help parents develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively guide and support their children. Researchers suggest implementing measures to address the issues identified in the assessment of the factors influencing juvenile delinquency in Payatas-A, Quezon City.