Violence

Violence is "the intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual, against oneself, another person, or against a group or community, that either results in or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, maldevelopment, or deprivation." (source) Acts of violence include but are not limited to sexual assault, child abuse, non-fatal self-harm, intimate partner violence, homicide, suicide, bullying, and school violence.

List of prioritized risk and protective factors for youth violence identified by RI’s Enhancing State Capacity to Address Child and Adolescent Health through Violence Prevention (ESCAPe) work group:

Risk Factors

• Poverty
• Exposure to violence
• Poor emotional health
• Alcohol and other drug use
• Early initiation of violent behavior
• Poor family connectedness

Protective Factors

• Adequate adult supervision
• Social capital
• Safe and supportive school climate
• Good academic achievement
• Good family management practices