The outcome of the research could lead to intervention and prevention programs being designed, tested and implemented. The first of the research projects will examine trends in the causes of death among rural children and adolescents who died violently. With the common belief that rural areas are immune from violence, Hanna explained that one goal is to learn if there are differences in the types of violence resulting in death between rural, urban and suburban settings. Childhood deaths have never been examined by comparing the incidences to the size of communities in which children are raised. While the work is just beginning, Hanna said it already is clear that the issue of violence in rural areas must be redefined by the mass media, such decision-makers as legislators, and by the public.
National trends show the crime gap between cities and rural areas is narrowing.
Rural communities may be as violent as urban and suburban environments. It may be the type of violence that does not draw the same attention as a drive-by shooting, for example, but we should still recognize it as a violent act. Hanna has noted differences between youth violence in urban and rural settings. For instance, the typical urban violent act is committed against strangers, is somewhat random, and is often related to illegal activities. In contrast, victims of rural youth violence will most likely know the perpetrator, and the violent event is commonly related to a domestic issue.