NCJ Number
189478
Date Published
2001
Length
38 pages
Annotation
This video provides a comprehensive definition of violence and the causes and effects of violent behavior.
Abstract
Violence is anything that hurts another’s body, feelings, or possessions. It is more than physical actions. It includes sexual harassment, snubbing, bullying, name-calling, racial slurs, using sexual language, and swearing. All humans want a sense of security, dignity, and hope; disrespecting someone threatens this. Disrespecting someone is self-defeating. It may make one feel tough or powerful for a short time, but in the long run, it brings one down. When someone attacks your dignity, it can affect your self-esteem and you may feel like hurting someone else. Violence can spread and lead to other violence. Violence is always a choice; it does not need to lead to greater violence. Violence occurs along a continuum that ranges from low-level acts to extremely violent actions. Examples of actions included on the violence continuum are eye rolling, gossip, ridicule, staring, stealing, sexual harassment, stalking, intimidation, fighting, stabbing, shooting, and murder. Use of alcohol and other drugs can increase the likelihood of violence by five times. When someone uses his or her power (physical strength, social skills, or verbal skills) unfairly to hurt someone again and again who has less power, it is called bullying. Some of the most serious incidents of school violence happen when a young person targeted by bullying seeks revenge. It is important to think first and not react, to be smart and strong. It is important to take violence seriously. Tolerating violence of any type has a numbing effect and can make people think it’s acceptable.