Domestic Violence

Essay by hUniversity, Bachelor'sA, March 1993

download word file, 3 pages 4.7 1 reviews

Violence. Mentioning the word conjures up images of assault, abuse, and even murder. In today's American society, violence is more prevalent now then ever. Annually, we see violence statistics rise and are left to wonder why. Each year 1 person out of every 40 is the victim of a violent crime. Everyone wants to find an answer a problem that is in great need of solving. But where do we look to find the answers? What causes people to behave in a violent fashion? There are several factors that will cause people to act violently. Maybe if we explore the reasons for the behavior, and address these issues, we will win our battle with violence.

Drug and alcohol abuse in this country has always been around, but recently numbers are hitting all time highs. From 1992 to 1995, drug use among teenagers almost doubled. Drugs and alcohol are both mind altering agents which cause people to do things that they would not normally do or intensify the emotions that they feel.

I believe that many violent acts are due to people being under the influence of some type of narcotic or alcohol.

In a survey conducted in the University of Tennessee for the Department of Health, the effects of drug abuse on violence were studied. It was found that almost 56% of drinkers also used drugs while drinking. Interestingly, white males were found to be more abusive than black males. The study showed direct links from substance abuse to violence and crime.

With drug use and violence rising, a direct correlation can be seen. Our society has created drug awareness programs in our schools, but obviously something must be changed in these programs. They simply are not working. The highest drug abuse numbers are seen in the teen year's age...