5.1 Preventing Violence and Abuse

Key Terms What is Conflict? Another name for a fight or disagreement What is Violence? Physical or non-physical force that is used to harm people or damage property What is Tolerance? The ability to overlook differences & accept people for who they are

What are Hate Crimes? A violent act against someone because he or she is from a different race, religion, culture, or ethnic group. What is a Negotiation? A bargain or compromise for a peaceful solution to a conflict What is Peer Mediation? A technique in which a trained outsider who is your age helps people come to a peaceful resolution to a conflict.

How Are People Affected By The Violence Around Us? Observing &/or experiencing violence can make you more violent. Apathy or not caring when teasing is common Many think violence is no big deal. Violence is becoming a way of life You see it everywhere, in school, TV, movies, newspaper, ads, computer games, music…

What Are The 5 Factors That Lead To Conflict Between Teens? 1. Feeling Threatened Stress from being threatened often leads to violence. 2. Unmanaged Anger Being fatigued, tired, or living in a crowded area can cause a person to be irritable & act out w/anger. 3. Lack of Respect Being disrespected (being picked on or teased) &/or disrespecting others, can lead to conflict. 4. Bullying 5. Gangs

What Do Bullies Do? Threaten, hassle, or intimidate smaller or weaker people. Use threats or physical force to scare & control people. Physical force can include hitting, kicking, or damaging one’s property. Use words to hurt or humiliate another person. Often form cliques, a close peer group that includes certain people & excludes others.

What Are Gangs? A group of peers who claim a territory. Often involved in conflict & violence. Destructive to the community, the people who live in it, & themselves. Gang members often use drugs, alcohol, commit acts of vandalism & carry weapons. People join gangs to feel like they fit in, to make them feel safe, or to feel powerful.

What Are 6 Things You Can Do To Prevent Bullying or Being Bullied? 1. Be tolerant of others & encourage your friends to respect others too. 2. Tell a trusted adult if you see bullying. 3. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help from friends, teachers, or parents. Bullies won’t pick on you if they can’t get away with it. 4. Be assertive, not aggressive. Bullies like to pick on those they think are weak, but responding aggressively to a bully often makes things worse. 5. Avoid bullies or any people who are disrespectful or threatening. 6. Respect yourself. No matter what bullies may say to you, stand by what you believe & be proud of who you are.

What Are Four Ways Of Avoiding Dangerous Situations? 1. Recognize the signs Recognize when a situation is getting out of control. Body language: clenching fists or teeth, getting red in the face, or narrowing one’s eyes 2. Calm things down Be respectful & count to Leave the situation If things look like they might get out of control, you can arrange to discuss the matter later when you both cool down. 4. Offer alternates You don’t have to fight even if someone insists. Firmly say that you will not fight!

What Is The Making GREAT Decision Model? G = Give Thought to the Problem R = Review Your Choices E = Evaluate Their Consequences A = Assess & Choose the Best Choice T = Think It Over Afterward

What Is School Violence? Damaging school property &/or students. What Causes School Violence? A student who is: Depressed. Feels powerless & begins thinking about injuring or killing others. Cracks under pressure

What are Peer Mediators & what do they do? A trained outsider, your age, who helps people in a conflict come to a peaceful resolution. Peer Mediators keep the discussions fair, keep track of the solutions being discussed, & don’t make suggestions unless asked Why do schools use peer mediators? Having nonbiased outsiders organize a negotiation for you can be a big help in resolving conflicts. Conflict can be solved nonviolently Peer mediation is like giving a helping hand What happens in peer mediation? Each student explains their side of the conflict & express their feelings about it. Students ask other students questions to clarify facts

Summary 1.Describe how violence affects us. 2.State five factors that can lead to teen conflict. 3.Describe why peer mediation has been successful in high schools. 4.List the ways you can avoid dangerous situations. 5.Develop a plan on how to handle a situation in which you are being bullied.