NCJ Number
159328
Editor(s)
V LaCerva
Date Published
1993
Length
158 pages
Annotation
This document presents facts about all forms of violence and their incidence in New Mexico and recommends action steps for individuals and communities to prevent and reduce violence.
Abstract
An overview notes that United States has much higher homicide rates than other countries and also has high rates of suicide, child abuse, abuse of the elderly, sexual assault, and domestic assault. Most violence occurs between people who know each other. Most perpetrators and victims of fatal violence are males between ages 15 and 24. A substantial proportion of violence involves the use of alcohol or other drugs. Firearms contribute heavily to violent death and disability. Violence operates within a larger cultural context that says that it is alright to use force to achieve a goal. Many programs in New Mexico seek to prevent and address violence and its impacts. Recommended actions to address violence include increasing the funding available to communities for violence prevention projects; expanding mediation programs in the schools; requiring training in domestic violence, child and elder abuse, sexual assault, and conflict resolution for all medical, nursing, social work, and education students; and requiring gun purchasers to pass an approved safety course. Figures, definitions, summaries of data from each county, program descriptions, checklists, and resource lists