NCJ Number
210411
Journal
Trauma, Violence, & Abuse: A Review Journal Volume: 6 Issue: 3 Dated: July 2005 Pages: 236-253
Date Published
July 2005
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the literature on school violence and offers a framework through which to understand and address violence in schools.
Abstract
Since the problem of school violence was forcefully thrust into the public spotlight in 1999, school administrators across the country have been scrambling to subdue community concerns through the adoption of quick-fix, and often inadequate, solutions to the problem. This article defines school violence and presents epidemiological data on school-based violence and aggression. A typology of school-based violence prevention approaches is offered and the evidence regarding their relative effectiveness is reviewed. Next, the author reviews methods for planning, identifying, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive strategies to promote safe and supportive schools. While progress has been made in the development of evidence-based violence prevention programs, the author identifies three areas in need of additional work. First, multi-level evaluations of the broad array of violence prevention strategies are needed, particularly in terms of the effectiveness of security strategies, peer-led programming, and threat assessment and crisis response initiatives. Second, the organizational barriers to the selection and adoption of evidence-based violence prevention strategies must be identified and addressed. Third, guidelines for the implementation and monitoring of violence prevention programming must be developed. Notes, references