They were, on average, about four years old at this first contact with police.
Sixty-five per cent of the sample were linked to five or more family harm events, and 35 per cent were linked to more than 10 events.
Most of the group were children when they were first recorded by police as a suspect or offender, with just over half of the group being aged 10 to 12 at the time.
Only three of them were recorded in the police system as having gang involvement.
Sixty-two per cent of them had come to police attention as a missing person on at least one occasion.
And just over half (52 per cent) had come to police attention as an unaccompanied minor at least once.
Māori were also heavily over-represented, making up 71 per cent of the group.
The majority were male, at 85 per cent.
Shine's senior family violence educator Mira Taitz said there is good support available for children who've experienced family harm - but there are gaps where people are not accessing it.
"We know that children respond to violence in a variety of ways, there's no one response from children," she said.
"Some children shut down, some go quiet, some focus on protecting their siblings, and other children act out."
She said there are good programmes available, but there are waiting lists, and it can be hard getting children into counselling.
New Zealand's Children's Commissioner agrees that there are complex reasons behind youth participating in ram-raids.
Judge Frances Eivers said for some of these mokopuna involved in ram-raids, their home may be chaotic, unstable, and possibly even dangerous.
She said it's important society focuses on a holistic approach - where whānau and community, including iwi and police, work collaboratively to wrap support around youths who might be more at risk.
Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, Marama Davidson, said it's important to keep in mind the majority of people who are victims and survivors of violence are not criminals.
But, it doesn't surprise her that the trauma and violence have such an impact, leading to many children committing future crimes.
She said there has been a lack of support for them for a long time.
Davidson launched a strategy last year called Te Aorerekura, a which is a comprehensive, generational, 25-year strategy to eliminate family and sexual violence.
But, it requires a whole different way of working across government.
"The evidence, the community, the sector experts at the forefront of family and sexual violence have been very clear for a long time that we need enduring solutions. That's why the simplistic short-term 'tough on crime', 'tough on youth' responses do not work," she said.
"When you have people involved with violence - let's say a politician who may have caused violent harm to someone at a boarding school. When they are wrapped with support, understanding, forgiveness, and given opportunities to carry on and lead a good life - that's how we can interrupt cycles of violence. That is how people can be supported to lead healthy lives."
Meanwhile, National's justice spokesperson Paul Goldsmith maintains there needs to be harsher consequences for youths involved in serious crimes like ram-raids.
He says there's never an excuse for creating new victims.
"What we see with these ram-raids and smash-and-grab attacks is very considerable areas of the retail sector where workers are frightened to go to work and a colossal amount of damage has been done."
While he says there's no question "we need to deal with [the] family issues these kids face", there's an overwhelming message that there are still no real penalties for them.
"Our sense is that we're too much at the 'family conference' end of the spectrum and they're not getting the serious consequences for their actions.
"They are very appropriate for first-time offenders, you know, we want to keep people out of the justice system as much as we can.
"But when we're talking about serious offences, particularly when they're done multiple times - this is where the problem lies, not dealing effectively with that group."
Earlier this month, the Government announced extra measures to place more young people in education, training or work to drive down youth crime.
The Better Pathways package extended a number of programmes aimed at youth support.
How to get help:
If you're in danger now:
• Phone the police on 111 or ask neighbours or friends to ring for you.
• Run outside and head for where there are other people. Scream for help so your neighbours can hear you.
• Take the children with you. Don't stop to get anything else.
• If you are being abused, remember it's not your fault. Violence is never okay.
Where to go for help or more information:
• Women's Refuge: Crisis line - 0800 REFUGE or 0800 733 843 (available 24/7)
• Shine: Helpline - 0508 744 633 (available 24/7)
• It's Not Ok: Family violence information line - 0800 456 450
• Shakti: Specialist services for African, Asian and Middle Eastern women and children.
• Crisis line - 0800 742 584 (available 24/7)
• Ministry of Justice: For information on family violence
• Te Kupenga Whakaoti Mahi Patunga: National Network of Family Violence Services
• White Ribbon: Aiming to eliminate men's violence towards women.
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