1. VIOLENCE is ON THE RISE - in the United States -among teenagers -in schools

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3. Causes of Violence Breakdown of the family Increased high school drop-out rates Drug and alcohol addiction and use Availability of guns Media supports violent behavior Racial and gender bias Prejudice Decreased self-esteem Increased abuse and neglect

4. STOPPING AND PREVENTING VIOLENCE Conflict resolution taught in high school Communication skills taught in high school Family counseling Hotlines Rehabilitation of addict, juvenile offenders, and gang members

5. STOPPING VIOLENCE Personal safety course Youth curfews Avoidance of alcohol, drugs, gangs, and guns Build self- esteem

6. REFUSAL SKILLS Techniques and Strategies to help you say, NO! effectively PASSIVE APPROACH Giving up, giving in, or backing down without standing up for ones own rights and needs

7. REFUSAL SKILLS Techniques and Strategies to help you say, NO! effectively AGGRESSIVE APPROACH Overly forceful, pushy, hostile, or attacking

8. REFUSAL SKILLS Techniques and Strategies to help you say, NO! effectively ASSERTIVE APPROACH Standing up for ones own rights in a firm but positive manner, state your position, acknowledge the rights of others, then stand your ground