NCJ Number
159773
Date Published
1995
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This booklet offers suggestions for how individuals can help themselves, their families, and their communities to become safer by taking action to reduce violence.
Abstract
Individuals can help themselves and their families counter violence by understanding the dangers of weapons, especially firearms, and how to address such dangers. They can talk with family members about the costs, both personal and financial, of violence. Families should carefully consider the kinds of entertainment they watch or hear, as well as know and practice ways to settle disputes without violence. Individuals and families should also understand and practice basic self- protection strategies. Addressing violence in one's own neighborhood includes knowing one's neighbors, working together to make the neighborhood safe for children, agreeing on how and when to intervene to prevent kids' quarrels from becoming violent, discussing weapons and their uses, and considering how children spend their time after school. Neighbors should identify, discuss, and solve troubling conditions in the neighborhood and work with police, school officials, civic groups, and others to address larger issues for the community. Suggestions for wider community action encompass gun controls and education, nonviolent conflict resolution techniques, mentoring services, the involvement of youth in anti-violence strategies, and the coordination of community groups in the development and implementation of comprehensive antiviolence strategies and plans. A list of resources