Cleveland struggles with a number of risk factors common to urban populations and associated with high levels of violence (Defending Childhood 2011). Data indicated that more than one out of every three Clevelanders (35%) was living at or below the poverty line, making it the second poorest major city in the country (U.S. Census, 2009). In 2010, Cleveland had the seventh highest city crime rate and 2 of the 25 most dangerous neighborhoods in the country. Homicide was the leading cause of death between 1-9 years of age. Children are affected by the numerous amount of violence in Cleveland.
Community violence is a serious health problem. Children who are exposed to community violence are more likely to suffer and develop aggressive behavioral …show more content…
The mental trauma from exposure to violence has been scientifically shown to increase a child’s risk of adopting violent behavior themselves, meaning that violent behavior transmits and spreads based on exposure (Cure Violence 2011). Children exposed to violence are more likely to become victims or perpetrators of further violence.
Jen Steer did an article titled, “‘Enough is enough’: Four young children shot in Cleveland in a month. This media headline sent shock waves across the world instantly traumatizing those who watched because the quality of children lives is reducing rapidly. It should how disturbing it is counting innocent children lives being killed out in the streets for nothing. Community violence is destroying the lives of innocent youth. The loss of a child due to violence is a huge problem.
Last year statistics showed, 2015 was one of the bloodiest years Cleveland has seen in the previous decade, with homicides up 15 percent and the chance of an innocent child getting hit in the cross-fire. Included in this year's killings were some of the youngest victims of gun violence Cleveland has seen (Shaffer 2015). There is an increase in weapons on the streets in the hands of younger people who are more willing to use them causing the city's years-long battle with gun violence (Shaffer 2015). Children with complex trauma histories suffer a variety of traumatic events causing them to spiral out of
Community violence is a serious health problem. Children who are exposed to community violence are more likely to suffer and develop aggressive behavioral …show more content…
The mental trauma from exposure to violence has been scientifically shown to increase a child’s risk of adopting violent behavior themselves, meaning that violent behavior transmits and spreads based on exposure (Cure Violence 2011). Children exposed to violence are more likely to become victims or perpetrators of further violence.
Jen Steer did an article titled, “‘Enough is enough’: Four young children shot in Cleveland in a month. This media headline sent shock waves across the world instantly traumatizing those who watched because the quality of children lives is reducing rapidly. It should how disturbing it is counting innocent children lives being killed out in the streets for nothing. Community violence is destroying the lives of innocent youth. The loss of a child due to violence is a huge problem.
Last year statistics showed, 2015 was one of the bloodiest years Cleveland has seen in the previous decade, with homicides up 15 percent and the chance of an innocent child getting hit in the cross-fire. Included in this year's killings were some of the youngest victims of gun violence Cleveland has seen (Shaffer 2015). There is an increase in weapons on the streets in the hands of younger people who are more willing to use them causing the city's years-long battle with gun violence (Shaffer 2015). Children with complex trauma histories suffer a variety of traumatic events causing them to spiral out of