Violence in America

What is Violence? Violence: one person exerting force over another to control, to inflict injury or death, or to maintain a position of power. Poor conflict resolution often leads to violence

Types of Violence Domestic Violence: Family or household abuse, including spousal, child, or sibling abuse Homophobia: irrational fear of homosexuality Incest: sexual abuse by a family member Sexual Assault: forced sexual activity against a person’s will

Continued Acquaintance Rape: when the victim knows his/her assailant Battery: physical and/or emotional abuse to control and maintain power over another. Fighting: physical and/or verbal disagreement Sexism: discrimination based on a person’s sex Victim: the abused or injured person Perpetrator: the person or assailant who commits the violent act

Common Causes of Anger which often lead to Violence Racism Prejudice Poverty Betrayal Powerlessness Need for acceptance/respect

Is Anger Unhealthy? Anger is a common and natural emotion. It is not the feeling which is unhealthy, but rather how one deals with his/her anger that makes it unhealthy

Do you think violence is a natural or learned response? Violence is a learned response, prevalent throughout one’s lifetime Domestic violence, movie violence, racial/ethnic violence, and sexual assault are becoming more and more common throughout society

Violence in the Media The difference between media violence and real violence is that in real violence, no one wins, someone always gets hurt and sometimes killed Some people attempt to mimic certain forms of movie violence without recognizing the real consequences of their actions

Alcohol and weapons in violence Friends + a weapon + an argument + alcohol and drugs = DEATH

Is Violence always Physical? Can be: Physical Emotional Sexual

Gains from Violence Pain Victim Perpetrator Family member Witness

Consequences of Violence Jail Pain Death

Learn to Deal with Anger Something physical (sports) Time alone Drawing, painting Crying it out Use of support systems Meditation Poetry

Recognize situations that lead to violence Physical – starts with pushing Emotional – starts with ignoring someone or putting someone down Sexual – starts with inappropriate touching

Learn to Avoid Situations Trust your instincts Choose helpful friends Identify positive role models Stay in school Don’t be afraid to change

Hand Gun Violence Be alert to potentially violent situations Hand Guns are the most common cause of Homicide Know the facts about kids and violence Resolve problems with safe methods Know the law Don’t play with or carry a weapon Youth who carry a weapon are 400 times more likely to be victim of handgun violence than those who do not If you hear gunfire, drop to the ground If in school – get out of the hallway, hide behind or under a desk or behind a cabinet. Avoid places like inside a cabinet or a stairwell that could cause you to become trapped.

Sexual Harassment Sexual Harassment: any unwanted, unwelcome or unsolicited conduct directed towards you because you are male or female

Understanding and Preventing Sexual Violence Q: Does a mixed message give someone the right to force him/herself on someone? A: No. If a person feels he/she is being teased or given mixed messages, they have the option of communicating their uncertainty or walking away. Forcing any sexual activity is never an option.

Q: Why are victims of sexual assault frequently blamed for the attack? There is a perception that: They ask for it by the way they dress or the places they go

Preventing Sexual Assaults Do not go home with anyone after a first or second date especially if alcohol is involved Keep all doors and windows locked Never open a door to a stranger Keep shades and curtains down Don’t let anyone know you might be home alone Call a friend, neighbor, police if necessary.

Prevention Continued Stay calm, assertive, and in control of the situation Think of an excuse to stop by a public place Do not show fear Yell for help if the situation becomes more uncomfortable Inform a trusted adult of the situation Don’t walk home alone at night If you end up alone try to find someone else to walk near.

Prevention Continued Call campus security if needed Call or begin a campus escort program Let someone know to where you are going and with and even let them know what time you expect to be home

Steps to take if a loved one is raped? Seek medical attention Reassure the victim she/he is not to blame Encourage them to report the crime Seek counseling