Health, Social and Environmental Responsibility Health and safety issues related to violence: What is conflict? Conflict is a fight, disagreement or misunderstanding. Conflict can take place everywhere (school, home, at work, between countries). Conflict takes place when people have different ideas or need different things.

Common acts of violence at home, school and in the community: Violence can cause physical or emotional pain. Individuals, families , schools, workplaces, communities, society and the environment all are harmed by violence.

Types of common acts of violence: Do Activity 17.1 and answer question 2 in the form of a class discussion.

There are many different reasons why violence occurs in families, communities and among friends: Genetics Brain injury Antisocial personality disorder Alcohol and substance abuse Desensitisation Feeling helpless Role models and negative peer relationships Feelings of failure at school

Impact of violence on individual and community health and safety Violence in many communities results in fear among many of the families in the area. Innocent people are often targets of violence resulting in non-attendance of school. Do Activity 17.2 : Reasons for violence.

Being a victim of violence can have a negative impact on a person’s behaviour: Reduces attention and concentration Poor performance at school Loss of appetite Self-mutilation Nightmares Insecurity Aggression Withdrawal Anxiety Depression Running away from home

Alternatives to violence: Remember, that you can choose what to do when faced with a problem or conflict. Instead of getting angry, and hitting out, follow these steps: Cool off. Accept that you played part in the problem and that you need to be part of the solution. Define the problem and make sure each person involved can express his/her point of view. Brainstorm solutions. Implement the solution. Forgive one another and move on. Do Activity 17.3: Role play problem solving skills and managing conflict.

Alternative activities: Play sport. Join a recreational club like a drama or art club. Spend time with people who are respectful and kind. Problem solving skills and managing conflict in a healthy way: Keep an open mind Be a better listener Don’t get angry and lose control Be willing to work it out Understand yourself better Until you understand yourself, solving problems and managing conflict will be difficult.

Protecting oneself and others from acts of violence: If people do any of the following, violent behaviour is a possibility: Lose their temper regularly Get into fights/threaten to hurt others Damage other people’s property Use drugs or alcohol Take risks Enjoy hurting animals Carry weapons

What to do if you recognise these warning signs: Do not spend time alone with a person who shows signs of violent behaviour. Ask someone you trust for help(family member or a teacher) . Do not react with violence. Do not use a weapon to protect yourself. Activity 17.4: Conflict management test. Do the test on your own and find out if you cause conflict or try to solve it.

Where to find help? People who experience or witness violence should react immediately. Police and violence hotlines should be called in an emergency. Community Action : SHOUT SHOUT is a movement that is committed to a safer South Africa by accepting personal responsibility for our actions and respecting ourselves, one another and the law of our land.