How Communities Can Bring Up Youth
Free From Fear and Violence

The costs of violence go far beyond dollars and cents, or beyond a single event. Violence ultimately threatens democratic institutions because people who live in fear will be inclined to surrender freedom for safety. This book spotlights the leadership role that policymakers must assume to reduce violence in their communities and proposes reality-grounded strategies to help them achieve that goal. A brief overview addresses costs to the community, victims and perpetrators, the root causes of youth violence, and the potential of community partnerships to break the cycle of violence. Strategies to help prevent youth violence focus on four key areas: family life, schools and childhood, adolescence, and transition to adulthood and community citizenship. More than a guide to concepts, the book provides specific program examples, case studies of five cities mobilizing against violence (San Antonio, Minneapolis, Boston, Savannah, and Little Rock), and a resource list of organizations and materials. 70 pp paperbound, 1995