NCJ Number
213678
Date Published
2002
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This motivational video challenges communities, social service practitioners, and policymakers to take action to stop children’s exposure to violence.
Abstract
Narrated by Ron Reiner, this video shows how the atmosphere a child is raised in has a profound effect on how their brain develops. Current research indicates that even just witnessing violence has a negative impact on a child’s developing brain, including the actual physical growth of the brain. Researchers have been able to demonstrate actual biochemical and structural brain differences brought about by exposure to violence. PET scans of children exposed to violence have shown that the changes in their brain have to do with the sense of fear. The PET scans of children exposed to violence are different in the areas governing fear compared to children who have not been exposed to violence. There are a myriad of outcomes related to children’s exposure to violence, including behavioral and mental health problems, such as acting out, depression, and anxiety. Moreover, children exposed to violence are more likely to be arrested as juveniles and as adults. There are 3.3 million children exposed to physical and verbal domestic violence every year in the United States. The experts interviewed in the video challenge us to take action to help reduce children’s exposure to violence. They explain the importance of taking an integrated, comprehensive approach to reducing children’s exposure to violence. A myriad of agencies working across disciplines must come together to solve the Nation’s problem of pervasive family and community violence. Science has shown that small differences can improve children’s outlook over time and viewers are encouraged to take action even in the face of bureaucratic red tape. Home is the root of society, if we make homes a better place, our society will be a better place.