Saddening figures: teenage crimes on the rise in Hungary

The number of serious crimes committed by teenagers grows day by day in Hungary. The most common teenage crimes include theft, murder, rape. In addition, terrorism and online scams are also becoming more widespread among Hungarian youngsters. The Dorcas Foundation reveals how they find a voice to help these children and teach them what a “normal” life is.

Serious concerns

As Index reports, at a recent conference in Budapest, youth protection experts raised concerns about serious sexual offences committed by students (even in Hungary’s elite secondary schools), often driven by bullying and intimidation. Péter Pál Juhász, director of the Budapest Reformatory, highlighted the severity of crimes committed by young offenders, stressing that Hungarian correctional facilities are not for minor offences, but for serious teenage crimes ranging from theft to murder. He revealed that at one point, 12 percent of inmates at Szőlő Street’s Correctional Facility had been admitted for murder or fatal assault. These institutions house offenders aged 12 to 21 who committed crimes before turning 18.

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Teenage terrorists?

Tendencies of the last 5-6 years reveal that more and more teenagers in Hungary commit sex offences. According to experts, bullying is the most common motive behind these serious crimes. An expert told Index that he has witnessed many shocking cases. For instance, young students at an elite secondary school drugged girls to rape them at parties.

What may be even more surprising is that terrorism is also becoming more and more popular among perpetrators of teenage crimes. These teenagers not only show a growing interest in terrorism but are actively prepared for activities in connection to terrorism. Juhász highlights that family background does not necessarily play a role in becoming a criminal at a young age. Sometimes wealthy kids are just bored, but in some cases, mentally handicapped poor boys are influenced to do something against the law.

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Finding a way to guide perpetrators of teenage crime

The ecumenical Dorcas Foundation is actively supporting young people in the Debrecen and Budapest Reformatory, working with around 200 to 220 teenagers each year, many of whom are involved in teenage crime. The foundation’s team of professionals, pastors, and volunteers provides group sessions and discussions tailored to the needs of these youths, 90% of whom come from Roma backgrounds. Ábel Lukács Kiss, the foundation’s executive director, highlighted the importance of respecting their culture and using non-verbal methods like art therapy to help them process complex trauma. Many of these teenagers have faced neglect, insecurity, and violence, making them both victims and perpetrators of teenage crime.

About Dorcas

Dorcas, named after a compassionate first-century woman known for her charitable deeds, works with teenagers involved in teenage crime in Budapest and Debrecen. Gábor Keleti, the foundation’s regional director, highlighted how poor family backgrounds or negative peer influences often lead youths aged 12 to 18 into criminal activities such as assault, burglary, and sexual offences. The foundation reaches 120-130 youths annually in Budapest and engages with around 100 teenagers weekly in Debrecen’s correctional institution. In addition to missionary work, a dedicated team in Budapest provides religious education and weekly “quiet room” sessions to support young offenders.

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