Does learning how to properly express oneself help Dissertation

Does learning how to properly express oneself help - Dissertation Example The study does not attempt to supplant existing programs, rather, it seeks to work with it, and enhance existing programs. This is done by opening and providing alternative means with which violence may be prevented. Social scientists believe violent crimes to be crimes of expression. While conducting motivational speaking sessions at schools in New Orleans, I have noticed that there are not many school-based programs in the district. The programs that currently exist do not look at the juvenile problem of violence as a possible problem of expression. Disciplinarian measures such as suspension and expulsion along with tight security methods seem to be the proposed solution to the problem of school violence. In this state of ‘tight security’ to curb juvenile violence, the study offers an innovative method - creative expression as a means of violence reduction, of juvenile violence prevention. This approach is novel, as no such programs currently exist, especially in New O rleans. Problem Statement Despite data showing reductions in violent crime nationally, youth violence remains a serious problem (Feder, Levant, & Dean, 2010). According to the Bureau of Justice Statistic, more crimes are committed against students’ ages 12-18 at school than away from school (Roberts, Zhang, Truman, 2010). Students who ranged from ages 12-18 experienced approximately 1.2 million nonfatal crimes at school compared to about one million nonfatal crimes away from school. The figures represent total crime victimization rates of 47 crimes per 1,000 students at school and 38 crimes per 1,000 students away from school. The number of school days in a year is essentially equivalent to the number of non-school days in a year. Despite the balance of days between school and non-school days, most (63%) violent crimes committed by juveniles occur on school days (OJJPD, 2010). Violence is the leading cause of nonfatal injuries among young people (Hammond, Haegerich, & Saul, 2 009). According to 2008 FBI statistics, New Orleans had the highest per capita murder rate in the nation (Murder Capital Title, 2009). The intersection of teen violence and the murder capital was evident more than ever in 2006. As New Orleans was scrambling to rebuild from Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans emerged as the murder capital once again. Five teenage juveniles ranging from ages 16-19 were gunned down in a one incident. The horrific event prompted the mayor of New Orleans to call for the deployment of the Louisiana National Guard to patrol the streets of New Orleans. Despite turning New Orleans to mirror an Iraqi city with armed military soldiers patrolling its streets, the violence remained. Juvenile violence remained a problem in New Orleans despite the presence of the Army. Once again, another attempt of increased security results in no answer. Tighter security looks good, but it has not proven to reduce violent crime. In this regard, the urgency of finding alternative mean s of addressing the problem of juvenile violence on top of existing programs is of intrinsic value. This is to promote existing programs, and open other venues that may help the young person express their experiences. Purpose Statement The purpose of this mixed research study is to