Attitudes and Awareness About Childhood Exposure to Violence: Results from a Survey of Five Communities

• In Event: Community and Practitioner Perceptions of Victimization and Prevention

Abstract

In 2011, the U.S. Department of Justice funded eight sites across the nation to address the high incidence of children’s exposure to violence in their communities. This national initiative, called the Defending Childhood Initiative, aims to: 1) prevent children’s exposure to violence (CEV); 2) mitigate the negative impact of CEV, and 3) develop knowledge and awareness about CEV and how to respond to it. As part of the initiative’s evaluation, which is being led by the Center for Court Innovation and funded by the National Institute of Justice, a representative telephone survey was conducted with adults 18 and older in five of the funded sites (Grand Forks, ND; Cuyahoga County, OH; Boston, MA; Rosebud Reservation, SD; Rocky Boy Reservation, MT). This paper presents the findings from the baseline survey, revealing each community’s awareness of the effects of CEV and available resources, opinions and attitudes towards various types of violence, exposure (direct victimization and witnessing) to violent situations or events, and levels of neighborhood social capital. The presentation will also include a discussion of how the findings can be used to better inform public awareness campaigns about CEV.

Author

• Elise Jensen, Center for Court Innovation