1. Violence in America

2. What is Violence?
Violence: use of force with the intent to inflict injury or death upon another person.
Violence: one person exerting force over another to control, to cause harm, or to maintain a position of power.

3. Forms of Violence Bullying Slapping Hitting Robbery Assault Rape
Domestic

4. Types of Violence
Sexual assaults are not related to sex, but the need to control
Domestic Violence: Family or household abuse, including spousal, child, or sibling abuse
Homophobia: irrational fear of homosexuality
Incest: sexual abuse by a family member
Anger – when uncontrolled often leads to violence
Sexual Assault – forced sexual activity against a person’s will
Bullying – using threats or other forms of violence to force another person to do something against his/her will.

5. Continued Poor conflict resolution often leads to violence
Acquaintance Rape – when the victim knows his/her assailant
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
Handguns are the most common cause of homicide
Battery – physical and/or emotional abuse to control and maintain power over another.

6. Common Characteristics Among Violence
No control over one’s life
Frustration
anger

7. Feelings Associated with Violence
Hopelessness
Fear
Frustration
Anger

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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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.

12. Q: Why are victims of sexual assault frequently blamed for the attack?
Q: What are some examples of how a seemingly innocent action can have far-reaching and unintended consequences?
A: admiring someone’s body
Sending a provocative text
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

13. 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

14. 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

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

16. Is Violence always Physical?
Can be:
Physical
Emotional
Sexual

17. Gains from Violence
Pain
Victim
Perpetrator
Family member
Witness

18. Consequences of Violence
Jail
Pain
Death

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

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

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

22. Hand Gun Violence Be alert to potentially violent situations
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.

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

24. 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.

25. 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.

26. 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

27. Communicating Needs *Role Play Time*
In small groups: write a scenario about common miscommunication which often leads to conflict

28. Peer Mediation (Fighting Fair)
Identify the problem
Focus on the problem
Attack the problem – not the person
Listen with an opened mind
Treat the person’s feelings with respect
Take responsibility for your actions