Describe All of the Costs Related to Violence

Name______Class______Date______

What Is Violence?(pp. 162–167)

Objectives

•Describe all of the costs related to violence.

•Identify five risk factors for violence.

Violence is the threat of or actual use of physical force against oneself or another person. Homicide, suicide, and rape are examples of violence. Homicide(HAHM ih syd) is the intentional killing of one person by another. Health professionals look for ways to reduce violence because they are aware of the costs of violence. With violence, there are costs to the victim, costs to the assailant, and costs to society as a whole.

The victim is the person who is attacked. Death is the most serious outcome of a violent act, but it is not the only possible result. Victims who survive may suffer serious injuries. They often experience anger, fear, and depression. An assailant (uh SAY lunt) is a person who attacks another person. The assailant may be seriously injured, may feel guilt or shame, and live in fear of revenge by the victim. The assailant may also face criminal charges. There are financial costs and emotional costs to society as well. In communities where violent acts arecommon, fear of violence controls many day-to-day activities.

Researchers have identified some risk factors for violence. These risk factors are poverty, family violence, exposure to media violence, availability of weapons, drug abuse, and membership in gangs. People who don’t havejobs, adequate food, healthcare, or respect from others may have a high level offrustration and anger. Children who witness violence or are victims of violenceat home are more likely to use violence to solve their own problems. People’sattitudes and behavior can be shaped by the violence they see on television or inmovies. In the United States, handguns are used in most homicides and suicides.Half of all homicide victims have been drinking alcohol. Alcohol and other drugsmay lead to violence because they affect a person’s judgment. Territorial gangsare groups that are organized to control a specific neighborhood or “turf.” Theywill fight to protect their turf. Most territorial gangs sell drugs and many areinvolved in other criminal behaviors.

Name______Class______Date______

What Is Violence?(pp. 162–167)

Violence and Health

1.Complete the concept map with details about the costs of violence.

Section 7-1:Note Taking Guide (continued)

Risk Factors for Violence

2.Complete the table with details about risk factors for violence.

Risk Factor / Reason
Poverty / a.People without jobs, food, healthcare, or___
respect from others may have higher levels
of frustration and anger.______
Family violence / b.______
______
______
Media violence / c.______
______
______
Availability of weapons / d.______
______
______
Drug abuse / e.______
______
______
Membership in gangs / f.______
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