Risk Factors
Risk factors that make kids more likely to be involved in violence include the following:
Previous aggressive or violent behavior
Being the victim of physical abuse and/or sexual abuse
Being exposed to violence in the home or community
Temperament
Anxiety and stress
Using drugs or alcohol
Having guns or firearms in the home
Loss of support from extended family
Social or academic difficulty in school
Trauma
A stressful family life, including:
Protective Factors
Protective qualities or "resiliency" factors allow children to recover from adverse or disabling events.
Individual:
Social competence -- Communication skills, impulse control, empathy, humor and, most importantly, not planning revenge after experiencing violence
Problem solving skills -- The ability to avoid violence or calm a violent situation
Autonomy -- Self-control, taking responsibility for their actions.
Sense of purpose and future -- Kids who have goals, such as to go to college
Family:
Caring and supportive relationships among family members
Parents who have high expectations for positive social behavior
Parents who monitor their children and know what their children are doing
Structure and clear rules for the home
Children who actively participate in family activities
Community:
Being involved in positive activities in the community, such as:
These activities promote meaningful connections with adults and friendships with peers who have positive social values.
-- Adapted from the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control
