VIOLENCE PREVENTION

"If you know someone is threatening violence - speak up. Heroes don't look the other way." - Ali Larter, Heroes

What You Should Know...

In 2003, nearly eight teenagers and children were killed each day by a firearm and countless more were injured. Though youth violence is on the decline, self report studies indicate that the proportion of youth involved in violent acts has remained relatively stable. Attention to warning signs and greater control over weapons access are imperative in helping to prevent violence.

Youth Violence

Interpersonal violence is the intentional use of force or physical power against another person or group that results in harm or death. In the United States, about 50,000 violent deaths occur each year, while in 2005, 44.5 percent of people arrested for violent acts were under the age of twenty-five. While youth violence consists of non-fatal acts like bullying, hitting and assault, it is the second most common cause of death amongst youth ages ten to twenty-four.

The most critical risk factor for youth violence is tied to delinquent peers. Other factors involve criminal acts, substance abuse, physical aggression, poverty and anti-social parents. Behavioral signs include: uncontrollable, angry outbursts, past suicide attempts or threats, family history of violence, past vandalism, a pattern of threats, disciplinary problems at school, cruelty to animals and bullying or intimidating other children, among others.

More than half of school-associated homicides from 1992-1999 were preceded by some signal, such as notes, threats or diary entries, therefore, attention to children's behavioral changes is crucial in preventing them from acting out in violence. Parents should work together with professionals to teach their children how to manage their anger, take responsibility for their actions and accept consequences.

Gun Violence

Firearms are used in 68 percent of homicides and 52 percent of suicides. Among homicide victims ages ten to twenty-four, 81 percent were killed with a firearm. Though Federal law mandates that gun owners must be at least 18 years of age, most teenagers have little difficulty accessing them. Nearly 1.7 million youths under the age of 18 live in homes with firearms that are both loaded and unlocked. A majority of the guns used in violent episodes are either borrowed or stolen. Many teenagers carry a gun as a form of protection or to threaten others, but they do not assure a person's safety. Children who carry firearms are more likely to be harmed by one.

What You Can Do...

No one is immune to violence. Although individuals cannot completely shield themselves from harm, there are a few things you can do to provide a safer environment for your family.

• Ask questions
  Ask if there is a gun in the homes that your children visit.


• Lock it up
  If you own a gun, make sure it is stored unloaded and locked up in a safe place that only you can access. Bullets should be stored in a separate place than the firearm.


• Open communication
  Talk to your children, listen to their stories and ask for their opinions. Listening respectfully to your kids will make them more comfortable going to you when a threatening situation arises.


• Be a good role model
  Deal with conflicts in the home peacefully and manage your anger. Talk to your children about how to solve conflicts in non-aggressive ways.


• Educate your family
  When viewing violent situations in the media or in video games, discuss it with your children. Make sure they know the consequences of violence in the real world.


• Speak up
  If you see a violent act or if you know someone who is planning on harming someone else, report it to the authorities or call 1-866-SPEAKUP.

To Know More...

• PAX: Real Solutions to Gun Violence
  1-866-SPEAKUP
  1-800-983-IASK
  www.paxusa.org

More resources...

• www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/
  Website for kids about bullying, includes games, webcasts, and ringtones.



• www.teensource.org/
  Resource for teens about adolescent issues and where to get more information.



• www.girlshealth.gov/
  Website for adolescent females that educates them on female issues. Take interactive quizzes and play games.