Chapter 9: Resolving Conflicts and Preventing Violence

Conflict- any disagreement, struggle, or fight. Interpersonal Conflicts refer to conflicts between people or groups of people Common Causes of Conflict Power struggles Personal loyalties Jealousy and envy Property disputes Conflicting attitudes and values Lack of respect Positive results of conflict Improve communication Improve problem solving skills Teach how to get along with others Strengthen relationships Negative effects of conflict Source of stress May lead to anger, frustration, fear, and emotional pain Can escalate to violence, injury, and death

Preventing Conflict Avoid provocation Remind yourself that minor issues may not be worth the effort Adjust your own behavior Adjust your attitude Complete the lesson 1 Assessment on page 223 1-6. To be handed in in 10 minutes Resolving Conflict Minor conflicts may often be resolved by compromising. Compromising should never have harmful consequences or go against your values. A better strategy may be negotiating. The use of communication and, in many cases, compromise to settle a disagreement

The Negotiation Process Take time to calm down and think Let everyone take turns explaining their side of the conflict without interruption Ask for clarification to be sure everyone understands Brainstorm solutions Discuss advantages and disadvantages to each solution Agree on a solution acceptable to all sides Follow up to see if solution is successful Preparing for negotiation Choose time and place carefully Check your facts Plan what you will say TIP: Stay calm and keep an open mind

Complete the Lesson 2 Assessment on page 228 1-5 to be handed in Mediation is necessary when two parties cannot reach a solution. A third party (neutral party) is brought in to help resolve conflicts peacefully Effective mediation depends on these basic principles: Neutrality Confidentiality Well defined ground rules Peer Mediation- a process in which specially trained students help other students resolve conflicts peacefully. Making introductions Establishing ground rules Hearing each side Exploring solutions Wrapping it up Complete the Lesson 2 Assessment on page 228 1-5 to be handed in in 10 minutes

35.5% of teens had been in a physical fight Violence is the threatened or actual use of physical force or power to harm another person or to damage property. Causes of violent acts Uncontrolled anger or frustration A need to control others Hatred or prejudice against a particular group Retaliation or revenge for some past harm, whether real or perceived 35.5% of teens had been in a physical fight 4.2% of teens had been injured in a physical fight requiring medical care Certain risk factors make children and teens more likely to be involved in violence. If their families or friends are Poor Low levels of education Involved in illegal activities.

Things that decrease the likelihood of involvement in violence Committed to school Negative attitude towards crime Roles of alcohol and drugs Lowers self control, less self restraint Damages judgment, may overreact, fail to consider the consequences May engage in violent activities to gain money for drugs Users are more likely to engage in high risk behaviors Many violent teens weren’t users before they were violent. The violence leads to other problems Mental and Emotional Problems Low self esteem Way of getting back at the system for lack of success Stress, depression, and anger

Availability of Weapons 1 in 5 high school students admit to carrying a weapon in the past 30 days To protect yourself from the dangers associated with weapons Do not carry a weapon. People who carry a weapon are twice as likely to be a victim If you know that someone is carrying a weapon tell a trusted adult If your parents keep a gun, encourage them to equip it with a trigger lock and store it unloaded in a lock box. Violence in the Media Influences how people think about violence Teens who are more aggressive watch more aggressive things Complete the Real World Connection Activity on page 232 #1-3 to be handed in in 5 minutes.

Gang Violence Be aware of gang activity in your area, know colors and symbols. Types of Violence Assault- unlawful physical attack or threat of attack. Random violence- violence committed for no particular reason Homicide- the willful killing of one human being by another Sexual Violence- any form of unwelcome sexual contact directed at an individual. This may include: Sexual assault- any intentional sexual attack against another person. Rape- any form of sexual intercourse that takes place against a person’s will Avoiding Sexual Violence Be aware of your surroundings Refuse to go anywhere alone with someone you don’t know or trust Attend parties with friends who will look out for you Avoid alcohol and drugs Trust your instincts If a situation feels unsafe, don’t hesitate. GET OUT

Responding to a Sexual Attack Your goal is to survive In some cases resist, in others submit Try to stall for time Distract the attacker Scream to attract attention Reporting attack ASAP gives you the best chance to bring attacker to justice Preserve evidence Do not bathe or brush your teeth until you have been examined Seek medical help for injuries and get tested for pregnancy and disease Hate Crimes Harassment- racial slurs, stalking, or attempts to exclude a targeted group from community life Vandalism- offensive messages or symbols to deface buildings Arson- blow up or set things on fire Assault and homicide-physically attack or even kill members of the targeted group

Best ways to end hate crimes is to change the attitudes behind them. Complete Lesson 3 Assessment on page 235 #1-5 to be handed in in 5 minutes

Preventing and overcoming abuse Clues that a dating relationship may be abusive Pressure the other into sexual activity Pressure to make the relationship serious or exclusive right away Jealousy or possessiveness Attempts to control the other’s behavior Yells, swears, or otherwise emotionally attacks the other Threatens the other with physical violence Forms of Abuse Physical abuse- pattern of intentionally causing bodily harm or injury Emotional abuse- pattern of attacking another person’s emotional development and sense of worth. Verbal abuse- the use of words to mistreat or injury another person Sexual abuse – pattern of sexual contact that is forced upon a person against the person’s will Stalking- repeatedly following, harassing, or threatening an individual

40 % of females and 10% of males know their attacker Protecting yourself from abuse Hang out with people who share your values and treat you with respect. Know your own limits and communicate those expectations Avoid drugs and alcohol Know the warning signs of abuse Trust your instincts Seek help if necessary Remember you are not to blame for anyone else’s behavior Date rape/acquaintance rape- occurs when one person in a dating relationship forces the other person to take part in sexual intercourse 40 % of females and 10% of males know their attacker Injuries from rape may include: Scratches Eating disorders Bruises Stomach problems Broken bones Pregnancy Mental and emotional scarring STD’s Chronic pain Feelings of anxiety, guilt, and distrust Depression Post traumatic stress disorder

Complete the Math Practice on page 247 #1-3 Some rapists use drugs or alcohol to subdue their victims. Rohypnol (roofies) GHB Ketamine Avoiding Date Rape Avoid being alone with a date you don’t trust or know well Avoid alcohol and drugs. Stay sober and aware Be clear about your sexual limits Always get your own beverage at parties and never leave it unattended Make sure you have a way home other than your date If you start to feel dizzy, disoriented, or otherwise unwell tell someone you trust Complete the “Real Life Issues” section on page 236 Complete the Math Practice on page 247 #1-3