Chapter 13 is about violence and unintentional injuries. Unintentional injuries are listed as the first, second, and third leading causes of death. Violence at schools has become unfortunately more prevalent. Between school shootings and bullying violence at schools has increased. “Most recently, violence related to political demonstrations and counter-protests has erupted on college campuses”. I think we at BSU are lucky to say that we havent seen this on our campus, but it has been seen more at larger schools.
Factors that contribute to violence are “Primary aggression is goal directed, hostile self assertion that is destructive in nature. Reactive aggression is more often part of an emotional reaction brought about by frustration”. The chapter goes on to talk about what leads to aggression and a major one that stood out was stress, depression, and other mental health issues. It sad to say that during this time of social distancing, and job shut downs, there has been a rise in domestic violence cases. I think a lot of it has to do with people really struggling mentally.
The chapter gives examples of how to avoid becoming a victim. Speaking in a strong voice, maintaining eye contact, standing up straight, acting confident, and being alert. Ina time where a lot of people first meet on line it is important to have these skills in case of being put in an unsafe situation. Going on a first date in a group instead of alone is so important.
It’s sad that we even need to learn about these things. And as a girl, I find it so sad knowing that just because of how I look I may be a victim of violence. For a while I used to have a major fear of going anywhere alone because of it. I have learned to live my life regardless of the unknown, but its still so troubling. Before transferring to BSU I went to a school in new hampshire. I left the party early and told my roommates that I could walk home alone because the buildings where across from each other and it was a small school. I ended up being followed and chased after by a man in a mask, and found two random girls and asked them to pretend to be my roommates. When the man saw me talking to them he ran in the other direction and I found out the following week he had been arrested for kidnapping. I never in a million years though that scary situation would happen to me, but luckily I knew that often times there is strength in numbers which was why I talked to those girls.
On a lighter note, I am catching up this week on school work, it’s been beautiful outside and I have been doing and enjoying my workout outside! I’m remaining positive that life will begin to get back to normalcy sometime soon.
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