Reducing vs. Displacing Violence

Many of the steps often taken to reduce violence in the workplace do not prevent violence, they displace it. For example, a person who is screened out from being hired by one employer will probably be hired by another employer who has a less thorough screening procedure.

In order to actually reduce violence, communities need to prevent children from developing into violent adults. Some children get involved with violence because they lack adequate supervision and support, especially after school. Offering these kids an alternative to gangs, drugs and other criminal activities can help to steer them away from a life of violence.

Law enforcement agencies should encourage local organizations to participate in community violence prevention programs. Organizations can assist in many ways that need not be expensive. Taking advantage of school, church, public housing, and park district facilities that are underutilized during certain periods is one way to keep down the costs. Peer programs where participants help provide instruction (more advanced pupils teaching the less advanced) can be both successful and cost-effective. Some businesses provide their employees and managers opportunities to donate their time as paid or unpaid volunteers.

Another way organizations can help is by donating services, equipment or funds to a program. Contact any of the applicable resources listed in the next section for more information on joining or starting a violence prevention program in your community.