NCJ Number
130864
Date Published
1991
Length
287 pages
Annotation
This book identifies factors in the current epidemic of violence that is killing young Americans in unprecedented numbers and proposes a public health strategy for preventing and reducing such violence.
Abstract
The book addresses why all teenagers are at risk for violence and why those who are poor and black are at highest risk for violence. Media and cultural influences on violence are documented. The public health approach to countering violence among youth focuses on etiological factors in violent behavior and a broad-based approach for managing environmental influences so as to reduce violent behaviors. Such an approach must target those groups of youth at high risk for violent behavior. Preventive efforts must be culturally specific and age-appropriate. Strategies must involve dialog with the target group so as to determine constituents' needs and the preventive techniques most likely to affect them. A chapter suggests principles that must be taught to parents if they are to facilitate nonviolent behaviors in their children. It also identifies parental behaviors likely to promote violent behaviors in children and adolescents. Other chapters suggest strategies whereby schools and communities can help prevent violence. Community policing, gun control, and a comprehensive community family policy are among the community strategies suggested for preventing violence. Chapter notes, appended resources, and a subject index