Frightening Statistic about Violence

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) just completed a study to measure children's exposure to violence in homes, schools, and communities across all age groups. They found that "more than 60 percent of the children surveyed were exposed to violence within the past year, either directly or indirectly (e.g., as a witness to a violent act; by learning of a violent act against a family member, neighbor, or close friend; or from a threat against their home or school). " (Source: "Children's Exposure to Violence: A Comprehensive National Survey")

YIKES!!!

So many of the 40 Developmental Assets can help protect children from violence and soften the effects of the violence they observe. Check out the list below, and see how you can make a difference in the life of a child!

* Family support * Positive family communication * Other adult relationships * Caring neighborhood * Caring school climate * Parent involvement in schooling * Community values youth * Youth as resources * Service to others * Safety * Family boundaries * School boundaries * Neighborhood boundaries * Adult role models * Positive peer influence * High expectations * Creative activities * Youth programs * Religious community * Time at home * Achievement motivation * School engagement * Homework * Bonding to school * Reading for pleasure * Caring * Equality and social justice * Integrity * Honesty * Responsibility * Restraint * Planning and decision making * Interpersonal competence * Cultural competence * Resistance skills * Peaceful conflict resolution * Personal power * Self-esteem * Sense of purpose * Positive view of personal future *