Environmental causes of violence Research Paper

Environmental causes of violence - Research Paper Example The American psychological association defined violence as an extreme act of aggression committed by an individual to another such as rape, murder or assault.1 Furthermore, the American psychological association implied that violence is the intentional application of power or force, actual or threatened against another person, community, and group or against oneself.2 This application of violence mostly leads to physical harm, physiological harm, deprivation or mal development. On the other hand, environment is primarily defined as the circumstances and conditions which surround an individual or community. Furthermore, the Medical Dictionary went a step further and defined the term environment as the combination of cultural and social conditions that have an influence on an individual’s life.3 Violence and the different types of abuse are mostly viewed as a behavioral pattern which is intended to maintain and establish control over household members, family, individuals, groups, intimate partners or colleagues. Although most violent offenders tend to be known by their victims (i.e. estranged spouses and partners, relatives, family members, colleagues and peers), strangers may also commit various acts of violence. The occurrence of violence might be once or it may happen on a frequent basis. Over time, the single incidences of violence tend to escalate into frequent bouts of violence.4 Abuse and violence in any form negatively affects the well-being and health of individuals. The primary roots of violence can be attributed to the many environmental factors which even today continue to grow and increase in society. The Newfoundland Labrador states that violence is often a choice and is thus preventable.5 Self-directed violence is behavior that deliberately leads to injury or has a potential to result in harm to oneself. As such, it is