FACTORS INFLUENCING VIOLENCE

Cycle of Violence: Helps explain a pattern often experienced in abusive relationships; why people may stay with violent partners FACTORS INFLUENCING VIOLENCE Target: I will be able to explain the factors influencing violence, and how to safely report dangerous situations Pg. 49

Factors Contributing to Violence 1. Poverty- Low socioeconomic status (SES) can create a hopeless environment in which people view violence as the only way to get what they want 2. Unemployment- Financial strain or fear of losing a job and living in economically depressed areas can increase rates and severity of violence

3. Parental and Peer Influence- Children raised environments where anger, shouting, hitting, emotional abuse, etc. are more likely to act out on these behaviors as adults Lack of social connections and friends with high crime rates increases risks

4. Cultural Beliefs- Cultures that objectify women, believe men are in charge, and empower men to be tough and aggressive show higher rates of domestic violence People who are taught not to express anger in public do not known how to handle it when it reaches a level they can no longer hide.

5. Discrimination or Oppression- Whenever one group is oppressed or perceives its members are oppressed by another group, violence against others is more likely Ex: Those who have been bullied in school may also be prone to react violently in future situations

6. Religious beliefs or differences- Strong religious beliefs can lead some to think violence against others is justified 7. Political differences- Differences in political opinions have historically been triggers for violent acts.

8. Breakdown in the criminal justice system- Overcrowded prisons, lenient sentences, and inadequate treatment/training all encourage future violence 9. Stress- People under stress/in a crisis, are more apt to be highly reactive, striking out at others, or acting irrationally

10. Media and Technology- Some believe excessive exposure to violent media increases violent behavior; people become desensitized. Desensitization: to make less sensitive; to feel less shock or distress at scenes of cruelty, violence, or suffering by overexposure to these things.

So… What do you think?!- Do you think the media influences your behavior/the behavior of others? If so, how (in what ways?)

Reporting Dangerous Situations/ Getting Help: Tell a trusted adult Go to a Teen Health Center and tell a professional Oregon Youth Line ( ) Text “teen2teen” to Oregonyouthline.org

Sexual Assault Resource Center (SARC) SARCOregon.org Teen Dating Violence Hotline Call ( ) Text (LOVEIS to 22522) Chat online (

Call the Domestic Violence Help Hotline SAFE (7233) A Safe Place Violence Justice Center- Oregon City Summary:

STOPPING VIOLENCE Pg. 48 Choose a clock question (except #s 6, 10, or 11) *Use a minimum of 4 colors for anything drawn, and good grammar for written work.