VIOLENCE AND INJURY PREVENTION - CHAPTER 1: ABOUT VIOLENCE & UNINTENTIONAL INJURY
1. Define "unintentional injury."
It is an injury that is not deliberately inflicted (not on purpose).
2. Can unintentional injuries be prevented? If so how?
Yes! By looking ahead and predicting what might happen, they could be prevented.
3. Define "intentional injury."
It is an injury which results from violent behavior ("threatened or actual use of physical force against
oneself or an individual or groups that either results, or is likely to result, in injury or death.")
4. What are three (3) examples of major types of violence?
Homicide (murder), assault, rape, sexual assault, child sexual abuse, dating violence and
domestic partner abuse.
5. How many more times likely are youth to be victims or perpetrators of violence than adults?
Youth are 3 times more likely to be victims or perpetrators of violence than adults.
6. Why are males more likely to be involved with intentional injuries and unintentional injuries than
females?
Males engage more in risk-taking and antisocial behaviors than females.
7. What are females more likely to be victims of? Sexual violence, date rape, and intimate partner
violence, and to report feelings of hopelessness and suicidal behaviors
8. How does socioeconomic status affect the rate of intentional and unintentional injuries?
Low socioeconomic status or economic hardship is the most powerful predictor of violent activity
among youth. Children & youth living in low-income neighborhoods are at greater risk of severe injury
both from unintentional & intentional causes.
9. How does stress affect the rates of violence and unintentional injuries?
People under stress are more likely to be involved in a violent or injury-producing event.
10. What are the four (4) leading causes of death for youth?
Motor vehicle crashes; Homicide (murder); Unintentional injuries (drowning, burns, falls, poisoning,
firearms, suffocation); Suicide (3rd leading cause of death for ages 10-14 and 15-24).
11. What are four (4) things that put teens at risk for injury? Why do those things put them at risk?
1. Attitudes & behaviors common to this group - they believe they are invulnerable (can't be hurt
because they are powerful).
2. Peers - friends may lead them in the wrong direction and take chances they normally would not.
3. Family - there are often emotional struggles between teens and their parents.
4. If youth view or experience parental violence or abuse ; if parents administer hard discipline;
if parents don't provide adequate supervision; if a parent engages in unsafe, aggress or antisocial
behavior; and if other adult role models engage in violent activities (drug dealing/gang
involvement) may all lead teens to be more at risk of injury.
12. How do drugs and alcohol affect teens and the rate of violence and injuries?
Alcohol and drugs impair teens physical and mental abilities. Use of alcohol promotes
aggressiveness; 30% of young drivers are killed in vehicle crashes where alcohol is involved;
and 50% of teens are killed in drownings after they have been drinking.
13. What are five (5) of the protective factors that can help youth cope with adversity and stress? How
do they help them?
1. Connectedness to family 2. valuing school achievement 3. sense of purpose and future
4. problem-solving skills
5. caring and support
6. social competence
7. friends - can be positive
8. parental monitoring
9. community or school programs
14. What are the three (3) costs of injury and violence? Explain how they affect people.
1. Physical Cost - may incapacitate a person for life - might not be able to work and make a living.
2. Emotional Cost - survivors of violence may suffer by being fearful, angry, feelings of shame, and
vulnerable in all their social contacts. Stress can cause stressful thoughts, showing impulsive
or aggressive behaviors, use of alcohol or drugs, or depression or suicide.