Teens need to know about forms of violence

Teens need to know about forms of violence and ways to protect themselves.

violence assault random violence homicide sexual violence sexual assault rape

Causes of Violence Weapons, drugs, and gangs are some factors that can contribute to violence. There are factors that can help protect teens from participating in violence.

Causes of Violence Some acts of violence result from interpersonal conflicts. Violence can also be random. Violence The threatened or actual use of physical force or power to harm another person or to damage property

Causes of Violence Uncontrolled Anger or Frustration Hatred or Prejudice Against A Particular Group A Need to Control Others Retaliation or Revenge for Some Past Harm, Whether Real or Perceived

Causes of Violence Children are at a greater risk of being involved in violence if their families: are poor. have low levels of education. are involved in illegal activities.

Causes of Violence Teens are at a greater risk of being involved in violence if they have friends who are involved in violence and crime.

Causes of Violence Teens who are involved in school activities are at less risk of violence. They are also less likely to commit acts of violence.

Alcohol and Drug Use Studies have found that alcohol, in particular, plays a role in many violent crimes. Drinking and drug use can lower people’s selfcontrol and damage people’s judgment.

Mental and Emotional Problems Teens with low self-esteem may: try to use violence to prove themselves. use violence as a way of getting back at a system that they think has caused them to fail. join gangs as a way to belong.

Mental and Emotional Problems Learning to control anger effectively can greatly reduce the risk of violence. Anger management workshops and counseling can help people learn to deal with anger and avoid lashing out at others.

Availability of Weapons A recent government survey revealed that nearly one in five high school students reported having carried a weapon within the past 30 days. Access to weapons can increase violence.

Availability of Weapons Do not carry a weapon. People who carry guns are twice as likely to become victims of gun violence. If you know that another teen is carrying a weapon, tell a trusted adult, such as a parent or teacher. If necessary, you can contact the authorities anonymously. If your parents keep a gun at home, encourage them to equip it with a trigger lock and to store it unloaded in a locked cabinet.

Violence in the Media Every day, children and teens are exposed to violent words and images in television, movies, song lyrics, and video games.

Violence in the Media Studies have found that children and teens act more aggressively right after watching violent scenes. Children and teens who are aggressive tend to watch more violent television than their less aggressive peers.

Gang Violence Youth gangs are groups of teens or young adults who are involved collectively in violent or illegal activity. Teens who belong to gangs are much more likely than their peers to commit serious or violent crimes and to become victims of violence.

Gang Violence Avoiding Gang Violence Be aware of gang activity in your area, including the colors and symbols used by gangs. Seek out positive alternatives to gang membership. Be prepared to use refusal skills if anyone ever tries to recruit you into a gang.

Types of Violence may be physical or sexual. In nearly half of all violent crimes, the victims know their attackers.

Assault and Homicide An assault can be a minor threat or an attack that causes life-threatening injuries. Assault An unlawful physical attack or threat of attack

Assault and Homicide Assaults can take the form of random violence. Random violence Violence committed for no particular reason

Assault and Homicide If the victim of an assault dies, the crime becomes a homicide. Homicide The willful killing of one human being by another

Assault and Homicide Drugs Alcohol Risk Factors Associated with Violence Gangs Weapons

Assault and Homicide You can protect yourself from assault and homicide by developing protective factors. For instance, strengthening your ties to your family and your school can lower your overall risk of violence.

Sexual Violence Victims of sexual violence are very likely to know their attackers. Sexual violence Any form of unwelcome sexual contact directed at an individual

Sexual Violence Sexual harassment can include jokes, gestures, or physical contact.

Sexual Violence Sexual violence can include sexual assault. Sexual assault Any intentional sexual attack against another person

Sexual Violence Survivors of rape may be unwilling to report the crime because of shame or fear. Rape Any form of sexual intercourse that takes place against a person’s will

Sexual Violence Most rape victims are female, and most rapists are male. A sexual attack can happen anywhere.

Avoiding Sexual Violence Tips for Avoiding Sexual Violence Be aware of your surroundings wherever you go. to go anywhere alone with someone you Refuse don’t know or trust. Attend parties with friends so you can all watch out for each other. alcohol and drugs, which can make you an Avoid easier target. Trust your instincts.

Responding to a Sexual Attack If you are ever sexually attacked, your goal is to survive. Do whatever you need to do to survive the situation.

Responding to a Sexual Attack Reporting a sexual attack right away gives you the best chance of bringing the attacker to justice. To preserve evidence of the attack, do not bathe or brush your teeth until you have been examined.

Responding to a Sexual Attack If you are the victim of a sexual attack, seek medical help for any injuries and, if appropriate, get tested for pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Hate Crimes A hate crime is any crime motivated chiefly by hatred of or prejudice against a particular group. People may be targeted because of their race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, or other difference.

Hate Crimes Forms of Hate Crimes Harassment Arson Vandalism Assault and Homicide

Hate Crimes Practicing and teaching tolerance of other groups can go a long way toward ending hate crimes. When a hate crime occurs, community members can condemn the crime and express support for the targeted group.

After You Read Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary 1. Identify two factors that can contribute to violence. Any two: Alcohol and drug use; mental and emotional problems such as low self esteem, stress, depression, and anger; the availability of weapons; violence in the media; gang violence

After You Read Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary 2. What is random violence? Violence committed for no particular reason.

After You Read Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary 3. Identify two steps you can take to protect yourself from sexual violence. Any two: Be aware of your surroundings; avoid alcohol and drugs; stay in groups and look out for each other; refuse to go anywhere alone with someone you don’t know or trust; trust your instincts.