Stop the Violence: More Resources

• loss of temper on a daily basis
• frequent physical fighting
• significant vandalism or property damage
• increase in use of drugs or alcohol
• increase in risk-taking behavior
• detailed plans to commit acts of violence
• announcing threats or plans for hurting others
• enjoying hurting animals
• carrying a weapon

If you notice the following signs over a period of time, the potential for violence exists:

• a history of violent or aggressive behavior
• serious drug or alcohol use
• gang membership or strong desire to be in a gang
• access to or fascination with weapons, especially guns
• threatening others regularly
• trouble controlling feelings like anger
• withdrawal from friends and usual activities
• feeling rejected or alone
• having been a victim of bullying
• poor school performance
• history of discipline problems or frequent run-ins with authority
• feeling constantly disrespected
• failing to acknowledge the feelings or rights of others

From the American Psychological Association

Mentioned on Stop The Violence:

Chicago Public Schools
CPS Student Hotline for Violence Prevention: (888) 881-0606
A 24-hour phone hotline where students can call for help or leave anonymous tips.
Books on Violence
List of nonfiction books that may be used to help middle and high school students learn about and avoid violence in our school communities. They are available in many school and/or public branch libraries.

Kids Off The Block
Our mission is to give at-risk low income youth positive alternatives to gangs, drugs, violence, truancy, and the juvenile justice system. We accomplish this through Tutoring/Mentoring, Music, Drama, Sports, and Local/Out-of-Town Trips

Build Chicago
BUILD's mission is to help redirect the behavior of gang- affiliated youth and potential recruits to gangs in order to improve their chances of leading fulfilling lives and to increase the stability and safety of the communities in which they reside.

The Black Star Project
Our mission is to provide educational services that help pre-school through college students succeed academically and become knowledgeable and productive citizens with the support of their parents, families, schools and communities.

Family Focus
The mission of Family Focus -- one of the nation's flagship family support programs since 1976 -- is to promote the well-being of children from birth by supporting and strengthening their families in and with their communities. For information on the centers, visit family-focus.org.

Illinois Systems for You
Resources for families and schools to strengthen school communities.

Love is Not Enough to Keep Your Family Strong
Love Is Not Enough is an Initiative of Strengthening Families Illinois, a collaboration between the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and over 40 partner agencies and organizations. Click here for Parent Café information

Passages Alternative Living
Parent Education Workshops - Assist parents in developing effective childcare and communications skills to strengthen family relationships. Address: 10 W. 35th St., 3rd Floor; Chicago, IL 60616; Phone: (312) 225-3800.

Other Resources

National Crime Prevention Council
The National Crime Prevention Council's mission is to be the nation's leader in helping people keep themselves, their families, and their communities safe from crime.

U.S. Department of Justice
Range of resources to help prevent youth violence.

National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center
The National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center is sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Federal partners working on youth violence.

Illinois Center for Violence Prevention
As the only statewide nonprofit in the nation working to prevent violence across the lifespan, ICVP turning this promise into a reality by identifying, promoting and evaluating the best ways to prevent violence.