Attacking Violence: Prevention and Intevervention

Abstract

Family and community violence are serious problems throughout Michigan. A recent analysis by the Michigan Council on Crime and Delinquency found that arrests for violent crimes increased by 83% for adults and by 50% for juveniles in the decade between 1983 and 1993 (House Committee, 1996). Additionally, state police data indicate that two-thirds of all homicides involve family members, friends, or acquaintances of the perpetrator (Michigan State Police, 1993). According to Richard M. Lerner, Director of the Institute for Children, Youth, and Families at Michigan State University, violence is depriving young people of opportunities, destroying the capacities of their caregivers, and creating communities riddled with crime (Lerner, 1995). Many children and youth resort to using guns and violent behaviors as a way to create their own sense of respect (Hopeless Kids Seek Respect, 1994). Violence seems to have become an accepted part of life today.Violence also may cause many individuals and families to become more isolated in response to fear. In a disturbing survey, students from a Detroit community provided information about their experiences and their perceptions of drugs, crime, and violence (United Community Services, 1992). At the elementary, middle, and high school levels, responses were generally the same. Children repeatedly reported fear of the environment in which they live:* I am afraid to walk to school, because I may be kidnapped to a vacant house, raped and murdered.* It's very dangerous to walk the streets between home and school, even in the daytime.* I know three kids who have been kidnapped on this block ... everyone has a gun.* We can't use this playground or go places, because that's where the drug dealers are.The most pressing issue of childhood has been described as controlling violent crimes (Zinnsmeister, 1990). The pervasiveness of violence in Michigan communities--whether urban, suburban, or rural--calls for a closer examination of the relevant issues for practices, programs, and policies when seeking solutions for the varied and complex problems of family and community violence.During a 1995 conference sponsored by the Michigan Council on Family Relations (MCFR) called Attacking Violence: Prevention and Intervention, students, professionals, and concerned citizens met to discuss the effects of violence on families and communities and to identify ways that individuals and institutions can form partnerships to combat violence. The issues and concerns they expressed tended to mirror those of the larger society. Issues that were addressed included law enforcement, human services, the media, and policy decisions. Concerns were expressed about the growth of societal indifference to violence--especially as it relates to families, schools, and the workplace. Within these contexts, the conference participants agreed on the normative nature of violence today. In this issue of MFR--which aptly shares its title with the MCFR conference--we are able to report 12 action recommendations that were developed by the participants:1. Professionals should develop and use consistent terms when defining the problem (e.g., violence, aggression, abuse) and efforts should be directed to the re-education of the public and parents towards a consistent definition of violence;2. Individuals and professionals should work together to change state and national family policies and laws to more clearly define violence and to reduce violent incidents;3. Policy and decision makers should anticipate and understand family and community stressors, their impact and relationship to violence (e.g., unemployment, lack of adequate housing, drugs, early access to weapons);4. Parents and professionals should focus on early primary prevention methods with children in the context of parenting and school curricula;5. Professionals should make sure all interventions (e. …