Violence Prevention Programming in Secondary Public Schools in Virginia

Abstract

Across the United States violent behavior among youth, particularly adolescents, ages 10 to 19, is occurring at alarmingly high rates. Current literature and statistical data both concur that homicide is the leading cause of death for this age group. This phenomenon is not the result of a single factor or event, nor is it particular to any one subgroup or geographical location. It is the result of a multitude of socioecological factors that affect individuals and their behaviors. Schools provide an ideal venue for addressing these factors through preventative measures and interventions because of their ongoing relationship with adolescents. This cross-sectional interpretive collective case study answered three research questions through interviews with school and community leaders operating in urban areas within the state of Virginia by investigating how urban public secondary schools design and implement youth violence prevention programming, with a focus on how schools are collaborating with community organizations and local government. Data was collected through stakeholder interviews, analytical memos, local crime statistics, and research of current programming. All supplemental data was collected from publicly available resources.