PSYCHOLOGY NEWS - How Violence Perpetuates the Cycle of Abuse Across Generations. And the Real Issue with Guns:
by
Dr. Lynn Margolies
DECEMBER 2014
Recent data on guns, violence, abuse…
...Suicides outnumber homicides by 3 to 1 and a majority are by guns. There is a clear correlation between guns and suicides… more guns = more suicides. Suicide is a leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults and limiting access has been shown to prevent suicides - most of which occur impulsively. Guns at home increase the risk of suicide - especially when there is a depressed teen at home. When access to guns are limited, there is not an increase in suicide by other means to compensate.
Reference:Briggs, J., & Tabarrok, A. (2013, December). It’s simple: fewer guns, fewer suicides. Slate. Retrieved from http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/crime/2013/12/gun_ownership_causes_higher_suicide_rates_study_shows.html
...In a recent study in JAMA Pediatrics (June) using data from the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data system Child File, 1 in 8 kids (12%) of American children have experienced a confirmed case with evidence of maltreatment: neglect, physical, sexual or emotional abuse. Children who experience maltreatment are at risk for poor mental and physical health as well as increased aging at the cellular level and early death. Being a victim of violence growing up is correlated with being victimized later on (domestic violence, date rape).
...Committing one type of violence e.g. bullying increases the likelihood of committing other types of violence. Exposure to violence is correlated with engaging in other violence.
Reference:Kazdin, A. & Musser, J. (2013, October). Bullying: fascinating features and intervention. Yale Presidential Inauguration Symposia. Lecture conducted from Yale University, New Haven, CT.
...The White house reports 1 in 5 college students are victims of sexual assault. Most of these crimes are committed by repeat offenders - students who are “serial perpetrators.” Forcible sex crimes increased by 52% between 2001-2011, despite college crimes decreasing as a whole - according to a report released by the U.S. Department of Education in June 2014.
Relevant Articles:
Women's Issues
The Paradox of Pushing Kids to Succeed
Protecting Teens from the Spread of Suicide
Trauma, PTSD
Coping With Trauma and Avoiding Misconceptions (aftermath of Sandy Hook shootings)
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