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The Task Force to Study Violence in Our Culture
(The Task Force report is available in pdf format click here. An acrobat reader
is required.)
Under a resolution of the 126th Diocesan Convention, The Task Force to Study Violence
in Our Culture was created to address the urgent problems of violence in our society. We were charged with becoming
a resource to congregations by alerting them to the prevalence of violence in our society and giving them resources
to be used to combat this violence. Due to the broad scope of the resolution, the Task Force decided to focus its
efforts in two main areas; domestic violence and youth violence. We hope this report will serve as resource for
continuing dialogues of the violence in our communities, and the ways we can work together to end it.
The report has two main goals. First, to make known some statistics regarding the rise of youth and domestic violence,
and second, to disseminate effective congregational resources to combat and prevent this violence, and to heal
those wounded by violence.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Domestic violence is learned and generational. The family of origin acts as the strongest role model for intimate
relationships. When violence occurs in the home, it is accepted and family members view violence as a normal part
of relationships. Studies show that boys who witness family violence are more likely to batter their female partners
as adults than boys raised in nonviolent homes. Girls who witness their mother's abuse have a higher rate of being
battered as adults.
The domestic violence statistics of today are still very alarming. Even with government regulations to combat domestic
violence, the number of domestic violence victims is ever rising.
77, 680 domestic violence offenses were reported in New Jersey in 2000.
Every 6 minutes a woman is abused in the State of New Jersey.
25% of all women have been raped and/or physically assaulted by a current or former spouse, partner or date.
Essex County has the highest incidences of domestic violence in New Jersey.
Children comprise 66% of the population of domestic violence shelters.
30% of all female murder victims are killed by intimate partners.
Women ages 16-24 experience the highest rates of domestic violence.
The majority of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered domestic violence is not reported to the police, and 66%
of the small amount that is reported to the police, law enforcement has done nothing the assist the abused.
The annual cost of sexual violence is a staggering $127 billion.
We recommend the following educational materials, to use with congregations, family and friends, to increase awareness,
and work towards prevention of, domestic violence.
Hostages at Home, video, 52 minutes, to purchase contact www.intermedia-inc.com, One of the text-book videos on
domestic violence, it dispels myths about domestic violence and examines the effects on the community.
Family Violence in America: The Power Within, video series, to purchase contact www.Unitedlearning.com, This series
examines the family's role in perpetuating violence in our culture.
Ya No Mas! (Spanish), video, to purchase call 800-553-8336, Video-based program about emotional and physical violence
against women.
Survivors, (video and workbook) to purchase contact www.Intermedia-inc.com, A powerful documentary interviewing
survivors of domestic violence.
Understanding Domestic Violence, book, 110 pages, to purchase contact 626-576-5610, A comprehensive resource for
battered women and those who work with them.
Abusive Relationships, video, 17 minutes, to purchase contact www.kidsrights.com, A story of a teenager abused
in her relationship, and the warning signs she ignored.
But I Love Him: Protecting Your Teen Daughter from Controlling, Abusive Dating Relationships, book, 208 pages,
to purchase contact www.harpercollins.com, A discussion of controlling, abusive patterns of behavior and how to
help your daughter get out of a potentially abusive situation without alienating her.
Looking for Love: Dating, Violence and Choices, video, 20 minutes, to purchase contact www.aimsmultimedia.com,
A teen counselor's discussion with young people experiencing their first love relationships.
YOUTH VIOLENCE
Violence among and against youth is increasing. Children and teenagers do not feel safe at school, in their communities
or out on a date. Youth need to be allowed to voice their concerns and adults need to be responsive to their needs.
Some youth violence statistics show the continuing problems.
Youthful offenders committed 11,000 crimes in New Jersey in 2000.
Youthful offenders accounted for more than 18% of the violent crimes in New Jersey in 2000.
15% of all the murder victims in New Jersey in the year 2000 were under the age of nineteen.
1 in 4 murders, nationally, involve a youthful offender.
80% of abused children go on the commit violent crimes.
Over 50% of children in grades 6-12 say they can get a handgun.
37% of all students identify a gang presence in their school.
22% of all victims of crimes committed by youthful offenders are minorities.
Homicide is the second leading cause of death of children ages 15-24.
45% of females and 43% of males reported being the victim of violence from dating at least once.
The following list of recommended educational materials is provided to begin a discussion among congregations,
communities and families on this topic.
The Truth About Violence, video,
57 minutes, to purchase contact 800-367-2467, This video explores the correlation between teen risky behavior,
violence and their personal well-being. It is recommended for ages 11-adult.
Violence: Inside and Out, video,
45 minutes, to purchase contact www.chariotdist.com, A three part program exploring violence and how to work together
to prevent it. It provides startling new insights from real life experiences of young people. It is recommended
for ages 13-adult
Teens Talk Straight About Their Criminal Behavior,
video, 28 minutes, to purchase contact www.films.com, Troubled teens talk candidly about their daily lives, including
their criminal activities.
Teen Violence: Where Have All the Children Gone?, video, 26 minutes, to purchase contact www.nimcoinc.com, This
video helps teens and adults understand the causes of youth violence and how to deal with conflict nonviolently.
It is recommended for ages 10-17.
Real People: Preventing Student Violence,
video, to purchase contact www.sunburst.com, This program makes teens aware of the power of their attitudes and
behaviors towards others and stresses the need to reach out to those who may feel alone. It is recommended for
grades 7-12.
Silence the Violence: Skills for Prevention,
video, to purchase contact 800-321-7511, This program shows students how to recognize a potentially violent situation,
determine the best response, and stay in control. It is recommended for grades 5-9.
Second Step: A Violence Prevention Curriculum,
to purchase contact 800-252-8951. This video is best for a classroom setting. It is designed to show how to reduce
impulsive and aggressive behavior by teaching empathy, problem solving and anger management. It is recommended
for grades Pre-K to 5th.
Rebuilding Communities, video,
30 minutes, to purchase contact 800-257-5126, This video is part of series. The video focuses on practical things
that can be done to make a difference in the life of a child.
Rethink: Anger Management for Parents,
workbook, to purchase contact 800-519-2707, This book is used to teach parents about anger management and increase
age-appropriate expectations of children.
Anger: You Can Handle It, video,
24 minutes, to purchase contact www.sunburst.com, This video teaches teens specific techniques for handling anger
and learning to identify triggers of anger. It is recommended for grades 7-12.
We offer these resources in youth violence and domestic violence in hopes that congregations and families will
utilize these lists to have meaningful discussions about the complex and often difficult topics of domestic violence
and youth violence.
[Call the Bishop Anand Resource Center (973-430-9902) for more information about the availability of these resources.]
Respectfully submitted,
Ms. Laura A. Russell, Esq., chair
The Rev. Cooper Conway
Mr. Kirk Hart
Ms. Robyn Deren
Mr. Cassie Leong
Mr. Jonathan Hart
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