Although news media highly publicizes serial murders or serial rapists, these individuals are responsible for only a small portion of the violence in our society. For example, only 1 to 2 percent of all homicides are committed by serial killers. Most often violence is committed between persons who know each other. The home is the most common site for violence to occur, and the data regarding child and elder maltreatment and domestic violence illustrates that the home is a far cry from the safe haven we have envisioned it to be. Two out of every five homicides are committed by family members or friends.
Poverty is a major contributor to violence.
Therefore, poverty is likely the predominant risk factor for violence rather than racial group. Deterring crime is not the same as preventing violence. Deterrents to crime such as burglar alarms, security bars, and neighborhood watch programs may reduce the likelihood of being burglarized, but do little to reduce violence. Many believe that owning a gun is a good way to protect their home and family. On the contrary, people who keep a gun in the home are at increased risk of injury or death because the very gun acquired for protection will more likely be used against them by an acquaintance, relative, or themselves.