Crime and Desistance: Exploring the Perceptions of Detained Youths Regarding the Risk and Protective Factors Associated With Misconduct in Kimberley, South Africa

Owing to large-scale disorganisation, family turmoil and social exclusion, South African youths often experience marginalisation, consequently amplifying their risk to transgress. Many youths have also been affected by poverty, substance abuse and violence, thereby impeding the development of morally acceptable behaviour. Although some research on the factors that perpetuate youth misconduct exists, much of this pertains to the international context and limited local studies are available. There is also a lack of research exploring the unique experiences of youths regarding the factors most closely associated with delinquency and the protective factors which buffer risk exposure and reduce the proclivity to transgress. Accordingly, a qualitative study was conducted with 20 male youths, exploring their perceptions of the factors associated with misconduct and those with the potential to safeguard against risk exposure in their social milieu. The data obtained through purposive sampling and analysed using thematic analysis revealed several key risk factors including substance abuse, gang membership and community disorganisation. Parental attachment, community support, employment and drug rehabilitation were highlighted as vital protective factors. It is envisaged that these findings will stimulate further research focused on developing intervention strategies and adapting local policies, with the ultimate aim of advancing youth desistance from crime.