Community Violence

Community violence is the exposure to intentional public acts of violence outside of the home. Victims of community violence may or may not know the perpetrator(s). Some of the most common types of community violence that affects youth include:  

• Shootings in public places, such as schools and communities  

• Bullying 

• Gang violence and altercations between groups 

• Wars or “war-like” conditions  

• Terrorist attacks  

Exposure to community violence is causing substantial harm in communities across the nation, particularly impacting communities of color that are more likely to experience discrimination, poverty, and limited access to resources such as housing, education and healthcare. 

Not only do youth and families who live with community violence often experience an overall diminished sense of safety, but it may also lead to physical injuries, bodily harm, and mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  

CHWs may work alongside their community to reduce the impact and can even help prevent instances of community violence through cultural mediation, social support, health education, and care coordination. The resources below were gathered as a way to help CHWs address and support children and families who have experienced violence in their community.  

 Informational: 

• Community Violence - NCTSN 

• For Teens: Coping After Mass Violence  

• Community Violence Prevention - CDC 

• Talking to Children about Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers  

• SchoolSafety.org 

• Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth after Mass Violence 

• Psychological Impact of Recent Shooting 

• Psychological Impact of Mass Violence 

• Talking to Children About Mass Violence