Interventions to prevent violence among African American adolescents from low-income communities

Abstract

Violence is a public health crisis that has reached endemic proportions. African American adolescents growing up in low-income, urban communities are exposed to high rates of violence and, consequently, are at increased risk of becoming victims and perpetrators of violence. In addition to universal, population-based programs, selective interventions are needed for at risk youth, and indicated interventions are needed for youth involved in violence. This review uses ecological theory to examine the precursors of violence, with attention directed toward risk and protective factors at the individual, parent, family, and neighborhood levels. Recommendations for ecologically-oriented interventions to prevent violence among African American adolescents in low-income communities are discussed.