Checklist for Violence Prevention

Do my family and I...

• Understand the dangers of weapons, especially firearms, and how to prevent accidents?
• Talk about the costs — personal and financial — of violence?
• Think carefully about the kinds of entertainment we watch and hear?
• Know and practice ways to settle disputes without violence?
• Understand and practice basic self-protection strategies?

Do my neighbors and I...

• Know each other reasonably well?
• Work together to make our neighborhoods safe for children?
• Agree on how and when to step in to prevent childrens' quarrels from becoming violent?
• Discuss how we feel about weapons, including firearms, and what rules and standards we agree on?
• Help each other by joining and taking an active role in Block Clubs and Neighborhood Watch?
• Know that there are positive ways for our children to spend their time and energy after school?
• Identify, discuss, and solve (or get help to solve) troubling conditions in our area?
• Work with police, school officials, civic groups, and others to address larger issues for the community?

Does my community...

• Have and enforce sound laws and regulations for secure weapons storage and against weapons violence?
• Provide safe ways for residents to dispose of unwanted weapons?
• Actively provide resources and know-how to help residents learn how to solve problems without violence?
• Provide mentoring and other outreach services to troubled youth and families?
• Enlist young people in addressing violence problems?
• Coordinate community groups to develop comprehensive anti-violence strategies and plans?
• Offer an attractive array of both family-oriented and youth-focused events?
• Have clear standards that reject violence as a presence in the community?

Originaly posted on the Sacramento County Sherrif's Website. http://www.sacsheriff.com/crime_prevention