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Violence Begets Violence: Breaking Conflict Cycles

NCJ Number
160460
Journal
Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Problems Volume: 3 Issue: 1 Dated: Spring 1994 Pages: 3-7
Author(s)
Larry Brendtro Ph.D.; Nicholas Long Ph.D.
Date Published
1994
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This paper criticizes the current public and official policy of harsh punishments for youth who commit crimes; it proposes a plan of primary prevention, early intervention, and the restoring of social bonds.
Abstract
The two authors combined have more than 70 years experience with angry and aggressive youth. Their experience has taught them that breaking the cycle of violence requires a full range of services, from community and school-based prevention programs, through selective incarceration of the most dangerous youthful offenders. They strongly oppose the public's instinctual rush to lock away more and more youth. State and Federal governments are currently squandering financial and human resources on a massive scale without creating a safer society. Primary prevention requires beginning with comprehensive early childhood and family support services, teaching children self-discipline, and teaching conflict resolution skills. Early intervention entails mentoring children at risk, mentoring and training parents, targeting school bullying, shifting resources to the "front line," and disengaging from punitive cycles. Restoring social bonds for alienated, hostile children and youth requires fostering attachment, achievement, and autonomy. 27 references