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Youth Violence: Overview
Violence is defined as “the intentional use of
physical force or power, threatened or actual, against oneself, another
person, or against a group or community, that either results in or has a
high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm,
maldevelopment or deprivation” (Krug et al. 2002).
Youth violence typically involves children, adolescents, and young adults
between the ages of 10 and 24. The young person can be the victim, the
perpetrator, or both. Youth violence includes aggressive behaviors such as
verbal abuse, bullying, hitting, slapping, or fistfighting. These behaviors
have significant consequences but do not generally result in serious injury
or death. Youth violence also includes serious violent and delinquent acts
such as aggravated assault, robbery, rape, and homicide, committed by and
against youth.
Youth violence is widespread in the United States. It’s a highly visible but
preventable problem. Media reports often contain sobering details of school
shootings, hazing, gang activities, suicide, or other examples of youth
violence. No community is immune to its devastating physical and emotional
effects. In addition to causing injury and death, youth violence undermines
communities by increasing the cost of health care, reducing productivity,
decreasing property values, and disrupting social services (Krug et al.
2002).
Youth violence is a dynamic and complex public health problem. However,
research over the past several decades has uncovered a wealth of information
on the causes of youth violence and strategies for preventing it. Many
studies have identified factors that either increase or reduce the
likelihood that a young person will experience violence. This information is
being used by program planners to develop and implement interventions that
prevent violent behaviors in youth.
School Violence
High-profile school shootings have increased public concern over student
safety. The students at higher risk for a school-associated violent death
include those from racial and ethnic minorities who attend urban high
schools (Kachur et al. 1996). U.S. schools, however, offer more safety than
homes or neighborhoods do. School-associated violent deaths represent less
than 1% of all homicides and suicides that occur among school-aged children
(Anderson et al. 2001). Many violence prevention programs are centered in
schools for practical reasons. Youth already gather there on a regular
basis. Schools can implement interventions, set policies, and alter physical
surroundings to minimize risk factors for violence. Thus, schools can create
a model environment.
Dating Violence
Adolescents can experience violence within the context of a dating
relationship. This may occur when one person in a relationship uses abusive
behaviors to demonstrate power or control over the other person. Dating
violence includes physical violence, sexual assault, and verbal or emotional
abuse.
References
Anderson MA, Kaufman J, Simon TR, Barrios L, Paulozzi L, Ryan G, et al.
School-associated violent deaths in the United States, 1994-1999. Journal
of the American Medical Association 2001;286:2695–702.
Kachur SP, Stennies GM, Powell KE, Modzeleski W, Stephens R, Murphy R, et
al. School-associated violent deaths in the United States, 1992–1994.
Journal of the American Medical Association 1996;275:1729–1733.
Krug EG, Dahlberg LL, Mercy JA, Zwi AB, Lozano R, editors. World report on
violence and health [serial online]. 2004 May. Available from: URL:
www.who.int/violence_injury_prevention/violence/world_report/wrvh1/en
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