Community violence is an important issue the discussion of which is vital especially these days when the United States of America ranks first among the most violent countries of the industrialized world. One-third of all homicides occur among persons aged 15 to 24, and it is the leading cause of death among black males in this age group (Jessica Hamblen & Carole Goguen). Community violence is a complex term that has been used to refer to a wide range of events including riots, sniper attacks, gang wars, drive-by shootings, workplace assaults, terrorist attacks, torture, bombings, war, ethnic cleansing, and widespread sexual, physical, and emotional abuse (Jessica Hamblen & Carole Goguen). It is faced by several children, adolescents, and adult people as well contributing to their sad traumatic experience and leaving the most unpleasant memories and associations. Community violence takes place because of poor living standards and leads to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder of those who either experienced or witnessed it.
The causes of the community violence
Community violence does not emerge out of anything and usually has a strong background behind it. The scientists state that the root causes include “poverty and inequity and discrimination in education, employment, criminal justice, health, and other fields” (Frank de Jesús Acosta, Henry Ramos, Luis Rodriguez 16). There is no doubt that people who are satisfied with their way of living won’t start robbing and assaulting others in the streets just for the mere satisfaction of inner demands. It is mostly that those who are oppressed, humiliated, or dissatisfied with their lives as well as those bearing insult for being treated not equally are more apt to infringement of the law and community violence.
The effects of community violence
In most cases, after experiencing community violence people face Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) which is typical not only for children and adolescents but also for adults. At this children go through PTSD more painfully since being subjected to violence affects, first of all, their mental state. PTSD experience usually reflects on the general behavior of children and interaction with their peers: “They may become withdrawn, fearful, or aggressive, and they may have difficulty paying attention” (Jessica Hamblen & Carole Goguen). PTSD may also result in children’s engaging with games based on violence as well as in aggressive behavior towards their parents and peers.
As far as adolescents are concerned, they also face serious psychological problems after experiencing community violence. Because they are in a very sensitive stage of development, PTSD may lead to negative results information of their identity: “They can become depressed, angry, distrustful, fearful, and alienated, and they may feel betrayed” (Jessica Hamblen & Carole Goguen).
There is no doubt that violence reflects on adolescents’ future life and their interaction with peers; some of the “trauma-related reactions can include impaired self-esteem and body image, learning difficulties, and acting out or risk-taking behaviors such as running away, drug or alcohol use, suicide attempts, and inappropriate sexual activities” (Jessica Hamblen & Carole Goguen).
The effect of community violence on adults is also significant. It usually consists of their loss of trust in people, desire for revenge, inability to control their emotions and strive to protect themselves and their friends from future attacks which in some of the cases may grow into an obsession. After experiencing violence most people tend to avoid public places and usually change their daily schedule to get home before dark.
All in all, the cases of community violence increase these days, and more and more people who experienced or witnessed it suffer from PTSD after which some children, adolescents, and adults face certain psychological problems usually changing their way of life once and for all.
Works Cited
Jessica Hamblen, Ph.D. and Carole Goguen, Psy.D. “Community Violence”. National Center for PTSD. United States Department of Veteran Affairs. 2009. Web.
Frank de Jesús Acosta, Henry Ramos, Luis Rodriguez. The History of Barrios Unidos: Healing Community Violence. Arte Publico Press, 2007.