Dr. Jeffrey Sprague is a professor of special education and the director of the University of Oregon Institute on Violence and Destructive Behavior. He directs research and demonstration projects related to positive supports and youth violence prevention.

In this article, the author shares his thoughts for district administrators regarding the Sandy Hook Elementary school tragedy. Administrators heard a lot of potential solutions or attempts at solutions. However, these proposals raise lengthy lists of implementation questions and issues that illustrate a lack of understanding of school operations,…

The author of this article, a sociologist who has studied the social roots of school shootings, describes what scholars of adolescent violence have learned from research about the causes of rampage shootings. Among her observations: (1) rampage school shootings are never spontaneous; (2) school shooters broadcast their intentions; (3) school…

As a chief spokesperson for a national movement to prevent violence and a frequent speaker in national media and public forums, Dr. Deborah Prothrow-Stith is a nationally recognized public health leader. In 1987, she was appointed the first woman Commissioner of Public Health for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In that role, she established the…

Examines the life of Rae Carruth, honored as an Arthur Ashe Sports Scholar, but later charged with first-degree murder, as an example of the higher propensity for violence by athletes. Notes development of intervention programs to teach athletes nonviolent ways to solve problems, but also notes a lack of commitment by coaches and teams to solving…

A district attorney of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, argues that prosecution is the most effective and appropriate response to child abuse cases. Two basic premises are advanced. First, anyone who physically abuses, sexually assaults, or rapes a child has committed a serious crime, regardless of the relationship of the victim to the offender.…

Examines violence on college campuses by reviewing its types, prevalence, and underlying factors. Discusses institutional responses to prevent campus violence through tertiary, secondary, and primary prevention activites. (Author/ABB)

Explores the now popular assumption that delinquency is primarily caused by child abuse and neglect. Notes that existing studies are inconclusive or provide weak connections at best. In light of public concern over juvenile crime, calls for more funding to explore strategies to prevent and control serious juvenile crimes, especially violence. (TJQ)

Notes that the increasing number of violent crimes committed by children is a result of play deprivation. Discusses different forms of play and distinguishes between controlled and free play. Examines factors such as inadequate outdoor spaces, organized sports, and hi-tech entertainment which interfere with spontaneous play. Discusses the concept…

Reviews nature of criminal activity in libraries in context of two criminological theoretical groupings: psychological theories (encompasses criminological attention to individual psychological traits), and sociological theories (examines ways in which societies are structured and how structures might generate crime). Some strategies of prevention…

According to research that examined how U.S. cities responded to criminal activity, the growth of crime is the result of changes in American life-style. Not so, says the author. Crime is due to a lack of respect for laws and the belief that there is no penalty for breaking laws. (RM)

The growing problem of hate crime on college campuses is addressed. Characteristics of hate speech and hate crime are distinguished; types of offenders, scope of the problem, and related legal issues are discussed. A model for development of campuswide multiculturalism is presented among several recommendations for administrators. (Author/EMK)

Traumatic spinal cord injuries resulting from criminal violence is a growing public health concern. Citing the criminal justice system's failure to reduce violence and the costs of treating injuries, a public health-education approach is advocated. Approaches to prevention, gun control, and a comprehensive family policy are discussed. (Author/EMK)

Helping school crime victims past their indignation and sense of vulnerability has presented New York school officials a challenge tantamount to crime prevention. Discussed are effects of victimization as well as social support, effective help, and support programs for victims. (SI)

The article reviews relevant literature (which suggests women who convey confidence and assertiveness are less likely to be victimized), outlines initiatives, describes a model self-defense course, suggests guidelines for evaluation, and draws implications for university policy on violence against college women. (SM)