Citation

Freudenberg N, Roberts L, Richie BE, Taylor RT, McGillicuddy K, Greene MB. Health Educ. Behav. 1999; 26(6): 788-805.

Affiliation

Program in Urban Public Health, Hunter College, City University of New York, NY 10010, USA. nfreuden@hunter.cuny.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

10608571

Abstract

This article presents data gathered from young people in a poor urban community in New York City, the South Bronx. It seeks to help public health professionals better understand young people's perceptions of violence in the context of their daily lives. Sources of data include a street survey, five focus groups, interviews with incarcerated young males, and observations of several youth programs. These data suggest that violence is pervasive in the lives of both young men and women, although gender plays an important role in shaping the experience of violence. Other factors that influence the experience of violence include patterns of substance use, availability and use of weapons, and a perception that the police do not respect young people. Despite numerous challenges, many young people do take actions to reduce violence. The article suggests actions public health professionals can take to strengthen the ability of families, schools, youth organizations, and young people themselves to reduce violence in low-income urban communities.

Language: en