Is violence preventable? (Part I)

PERUSAL of the daily newspapers and the local television news would convince citizens that we live in a society that is full of anger and violent behaviour.
Sometimes you get the feeling that not much value is placed on a person’s life or wellbeing, and violent action is one of the first options in resolving an issue.  Violence manifests itself almost everywhere — in the home, in school, the workplace, on the road. For too long, we have been asking the question: ‘Is violence preventable?’
People who resigned themselves to the belief that violence is an inevitable part of their lives may give up trying to avoid or escape that violence. They may become passive and unable to create safety for themselves or their families.
Many efforts were, doubtless, made to address the issue of violence in Guyana; but there is need for a more focused, coordinated, and sustained approach. For almost two years, the Citizen Security Programme (CSP), a project executed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, has been addressing this issue in the 10 target communities within the Community Action Component. This has been one of the most comprehensive approaches at making communities safer.
Through its several subcomponents of providing life skills training to school dropouts and enhancing recreational and learning facilities, it has also embarked on a programme of violence prevention, given the prevalence of crime and violence in communities.

Trained and experienced facilitators spend many hours in sessions having frank discussions on child abuse, domestic/intimate partner violence, youth violence, and personal development. Both the young people — who would have had little opportunity for growth and development – and adults examine these issues from many angles to gain a better understanding   of what they represent; and, more importantly, how to detect and deal with them.
Many of them have learnt to recognise that violence can never be a solution, and conflict resolution is always the better option. What is resonating among them is the development of their self-esteem, an important character trait in one’s life, and one that is vital in changing behaviours.
What the CSP has set out to accomplish is indeed a huge task, and a hundred per cent success should not be expected. It recognises that youths are critical players in the long-term creation of safe neighbourhoods. The CSP’s programmes are set in the belief that positive youth development is an intentional, strength-based, pro-social approach that engages youths within communities, schools, organisations, and families in a productive and constructive manner that promotes positive outcomes.
Some may differ on what brings about violent and anti-social behaviours. The world view, however, is not difficult to relate to. Constantly viewing violence at home, in the community, or on TV can lead people to believe that violence is a normal part of life.
People who are surrounded by violence may reach a point where they no longer notice violent events or recognise that peaceful behaviour is a possibility.
The most acceptable definition of violence is the use of physical force to injure people or damage property. It may cause physical pain to those who experience it directly, as well as emotional distress to those who either experience it or witness it. Individuals, families, schools, workplaces, communities, societies and the environment are all harmed by violence.
These experiences in the 10 communities in Regions 4 and 6 are familiar, and the CSP’s approach is premised on the belief that violence is preventable, not inevitable. There is a strong and growing evidence base — grounded in research and experimental evidence — that supports this fact.
CSP is empowering these communities to recognise what it takes to prevent violence in the first place. It is changing the underlying conditions that contribute to violence in homes, schools and neighbourhoods.
It is the vision that, someday, Angoy’s Avenue or Plaisance will become the model community in Guyana as far as safe neighbourhoods are concerned.

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