FACTORS INFLUENCING VIOLENCE
FACTORS INFLUENCING VIOLENCE
Target: I will be able to explain the factors influencing
violence, and how to safely report dangerous situations
Cycle of Violence: Helps explain a pattern often
experienced in abusive relationships; why people may
stay with violent partners
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Factors Contributing to Violence
1. Poverty- Low socioeconomic status (SES) can create
a hopeless environment in which people view violence
as the only way to get what they want
2. Unemployment- Financial strain or fear of losing a
job and living in economically depressed areas can
increase rates and severity of violence
3. Parental and Peer Influence- Children raised
environments where anger, shouting, hitting, emotional
abuse, etc. are more likely to act out on these
behaviors as adults
• Lack of social connections and friends with high
crime rates increases risks
4. Cultural Beliefs- Cultures that objectify women,
believe men are in charge, and empower men to be
tough and aggressive show higher rates of domestic
violence
• People who are taught not to express anger in
public do not known how to handle it when it
reaches a level they can no longer hide.
5. Discrimination or Oppression- Whenever one
group is oppressed or perceives its members are
oppressed by another group, violence against others
is more likely
• Ex: Those who have been bullied in school may
also be prone to react violently in future
situations
6. Religious beliefs or
differences- Strong
religious beliefs can
lead some to think
violence against others
is justified
7. Political differencesDifferences in political
opinions have
historically been
triggers for violent acts.
8. Breakdown in the criminal justice systemOvercrowded prisons, lenient sentences, and
inadequate treatment/training all encourage future
violence
9. Stress- People under stress/in a crisis, are more
apt to be highly reactive, striking out at others, or
acting irrationally
10. Media and TechnologySome believe excessive
exposure to violent media
increases violent behavior;
people become desensitized.
• Desensitization: to
make less sensitive; to
feel less shock or distress
at scenes of cruelty,
violence, or suffering by
overexposure to these
things.
So… What do you think?!- Do you think the media
influences your behavior/the behavior of others? If
so, how (in what ways?)
Reporting Dangerous Situations/ Getting Help:
Tell a trusted adult
Go to a Teen Health Center and tell a professional
Oregon Youth Line (877-968-8491)
• Text “teen2teen” to 839863
• Oregonyouthline.org
Sexual Assault Resource Center (SARC)
• SARCOregon.org
• 503-626-9100
Teen Dating Violence Hotline
• Call (1-866-331-9474)
• Text (LOVEIS to 22522)
• Chat online (www.loveisrespect.org)
Call the Domestic Violence Help Hotline
• 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
• http://www.thehotline.org/
A Safe Place- 503.655.8600- Violence Justice
Center- Oregon City
Summary:
STOPPING VIOLENCE
Choose a clock question (except #s 6, 10, or 11)
*Use a minimum of 4 colors for anything drawn, and
good grammar for written work.
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