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Preventing Violence on College Campuses

NCJ Number
109998
Journal
Journal of Counseling and Development Volume: 65 Issue: 7 Dated: (March 1987) Pages: 367-370
Author(s)
M L Roark
Date Published
1987
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article examines violence on college campuses by reviewing its types, prevalence, and underlying factors and discusses institutional responses to it through tertiary, secondary, and primary prevention.
Abstract
Violence on college campuses includes a broad range of activities, most commonly rape, assault, harassment, and hazing. Although comparative data from previous years are difficult to obtain, many student affairs professionals believe there is an increase in violence on campuses. College students are at particular risk for violent behaviors because they are under stress, separated from direct parental supervision and traditional support systems, and at an age when sexual impulses are strong. Other factors underlying campus violence are rigid sex role stereotypes, hierarchical dominance patterns, alcohol use, and discriminatory attitudes toward others. Institutional tertiary prevention involves direct services to victims, including crisis management, medical care, protection, information, and support services. Secondary prevention targets an existing problem and attempts to minimize the consequences for affected persons. It occurs primarily through education that can help potential victims reduce the risk of victimization. Primary prevention involves steps to prevent a problem from occurring. This involves training staff about how to prevent the problem, educating students about factors that contribute to violence, and designing the physical environment and campus structure to inhibit violent behaviors. 31 references. (Author abstract modified)

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