Schools and the Prevention of Interpersonal Violence

Abstract

Students are engaging in violent behaviors in schools at an alarming rate. Consequently, many students no longer view the school as a secure environment. This article includes a review of known and potential risk factors related to violence, followed by examination of several prevention programs developed to address the problem. These programs typically do not address specific risk factors, are of short duration, and do not contain an evaluation component. In addition, they usually are not coordinated with broader community efforts necessary to address the problem. It is proposed that comprehensive violence prevention programs be developed that involve education, health care, religious, recreation, criminal justice, and social service agencies. Although coordination of Lhese efforts poses a major challenge to their overall success, schools may be the most effective institutions to ensure collaboration among these groups.