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Dear Medical/Health Reporter:

It has been nearly two years since the school shootings at Columbine High School where 12 students and a teacher were killed and 23 more were wounded. Today the tragic killings in Santee, CA makes the headlines. Deadly youth violence is on the rise and these headlines are becoming far too familiar.The slayings in San Diego deeply underscore the need for more awareness and understanding of youth violence. Did you know that one in 12 high school students is threatened or injured with a weapon each year? Or that individuals between the ages of 12 and 24 face the highest risk of being a victim of violence?

While there is no single explanation for the overall rise in youth violence, many different factors such as peer pressure and early childhood abuse or neglect, among others, contribute to violent behavior. The more stressful factors are present in children's lives, the more likely they are to commit an act of violence. Heed warning signs such as withdrawal from friends and usual activity, poor school performance, or failing to acknowledge the feelings or rights of others. These are just a few examples of the signals that violence is a strong possibility. Take any and all threats of violence seriously.

As a service to your community, the Psychologists in Independent Practice, a Division of the American Psychological Association (APA), would like to offer a psychologist in your area to speak with you on this topic. He/She would be able to explain some of the factors that contribute to violent behavior, describe warning signs that violent behavior is a possibility, and offer suggestions for what you can do if you sense someone may become violent and how to safely proceed. Your readers can request "Warning Signs," a guide produced by MTV and APA to help youth avoid violent situations and stop violence before it happens.

The free brochure is available by phoning toll-free 1-877-603-4000. I look forward to speaking with you.

Sincerely,

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Dear Public Service Director,
Did you know that one in 12 high school students is threatened or injured with a weapon each year? Individuals between the ages of 12 and 24 face the highest risk of being a victim of violence. The tragic slayings at Santana High School yesterday in San Diego deeply underscore the need for more awareness and understanding of youth violence.

While there is no single explanation for the overall rise in youth violence, many different factors cause violent behavior. The more stressful factors are present in children's lives, the more likely they are to commit an act of violence. Following is a PSA. Please run it this month. Your listeners can request "Warning Signs," a guide produced by MTV and the American Psychological Association to help youth avoid violent situations and stop violence before it happens. The free guide is available by phoning toll-free 1-877-603-4000.

Psychologists are experts at helping people find their way through life's difficulties. Members of the Psychologists in Independent Practice, a Division of the American Psychological Association (APA), want people to know that they can talk to someone who can help.

If you would like to invite a local psychologist to talk with your listeners about this subject, please contact me to coordinate an interview. He/She would be able to explain some of the factors that contribute to violent behavior, describe warning signs that violent behavior is a possibility, and offer suggestions for what you can do if you sense someone may become violent and how to safely proceed.

APA's Psychologists in Independent Practice represents independent psychologists, each of whom is a doctoral level professional licensed by his or her particular state. When you need to talk to someone who can help, you need an experienced, licensed psychologist.

Sincerely,

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PSA

30 seconds

It's normal to feel angry or frustrated when you've been let down or betrayed. But anger and frustration don't justify violent action. Anger is a strong emotion that can be difficult to keep in check, but the right response is to stay cool. For help dealing with anger and advice on violence prevention, call the Psychologists in Independent Practice, a Division of the American Psychological Association, at 1-877-603-4000 and ask for "Warning Signs," a free guide to help youth avoid violent situations and stop violence before it happens.