Moving Forward

Understanding Risk and Protective Factors for Violence

Exploring Personal Experiences with Violence

• The discussion begins by identifying various risk factors for violence, emphasizing that these factors can manifest in personal lives, relationships, and community environments.

• A participant shares their childhood experiences of violence at home, bullying at school, parental job loss, and the impact of a family member's incarceration on their life.

• The narrative highlights the protective factors against violence, such as having supportive adults to talk to and being involved in extracurricular activities like sports.

Community Support and Personal Growth

• The importance of graduating high school is noted as a significant protective factor; it indicates educational achievement amidst challenging circumstances.

• A free after-school leadership program is credited with providing essential skills and support that helped the participant feel valued and connected within their community.

Building Connections Through Shared Activities

• The participant reflects on how engaging in enjoyable activities like joining a track team fostered friendships and community involvement through projects like creating a community garden.

Conclusion: Collective Responsibility Against Violence

• Emphasizes that behind every risk or protective factor are real individuals deserving safety; calls for collective action to protect communities from violence.