>> Risk factors for violence occur in people's lives, their relationships, and where they live.
But major differences exist in how risks impact individuals and groups.
We invited participants for an exercise to explore how.
>> If you witnessed or experienced violence in the home as a child, take a step back.
If you were bullied at school, take a step back.
If your parent lost a job and was out of work for several months, take a step back.
If an immediate family member went to prison, take a step back.
>> I didn't have a great relationship with my parents growing up.
They were constantly stressed and fighting, often because of money.
I was diagnosed with ADHD, so I needed a lot of extra help in school.
And also, we moved around a lot, so I was constantly trying to play catch-up.
>> You know, my mom and I lived in a rough neighborhood.
There were gangs around.
People out of work.
It was tough.
>> Big plant in town shut down and people started moving away.
I felt like our sense of community is disappearing.
And it affected my relationship with my friends, but mostly my wife.
>> There are also things that protect people from violence, in all its forms, at every level.
>> If a parent or trusted adult was available to talk to you
and help you tackle everyday challenges and stressors, take a step forward.
If you were involved in sports or other school activities, take a step forward.
If you graduated from high school, take a step forward.
If you grew up in a community that supported education, economic opportunity,
and recreational activities, take a step forward.
>> One thing that really impacted me was a free after-school leadership program
in the community we moved to and finally stayed in.
They had volunteers from local organizations who helped us learn leadership skills
and topics we were interested in, like technology, science, art, and media.
They really cared about me.
And gave all of us what we needed to succeed throughout high school.
>> I got a new job and I got retrained.
I started feeling better about myself and started working out things with my wife.
I started to appreciate the community and feel more connected.
>> Yeah, I think it's cool realizing that the things you enjoy can also protect you.
I mean, I joined the track team.
I love those guys.
We hang out and do stuff together.
We even did a community project.
We helped this organization turn this old lot
into a brand-new community garden and a playground.
>> Behind every risk and protective factor, beneath every issue
and intervention, are real people.
Everyone deserves to live without the threat of violence, to have people to turn to,
relationships that are safe, stable, and nurturing.
The factor that matters most is all of us.
What will we do to protect those in our communities?
Learn about the overlapping causes of violence and what protects people.
Connect the dots at VetoViolence.CDC.gov.