The use of alcohol and other substances reduces the inhibitions that may keep a sober person from attempting suicide. Violence Against the Elderly Substance abuse problems are often a trigger for elder abuse. The Federal Government estimates that 2 million elders are abused every year, and research findings indi-cate that the abusers are twice as likely as nonabusers to drink heavily. Violence Against Women New research has explored the link between substance abuse and violence against women, including stalking, battering, rape, and murder. The impact of media violence on Americans particularly children is a hot topic in the culture wars.
Research shows that violence and sex in the media do influence adolescent health and behavior.
Despite the recent news reports of shootings and other violence in schools, the fact remains that less than 1 percent of all violent deaths of children occur on school grounds. Still, the issue demands vigilance. The mass killings at five public schools between December 1997 and May 1999 was a wake-up call to parents, teachers, and administrators across the country. This guide presents research on the prevalence of youth with guns, the reasons they carry weapons, ways the firearms are obtained, and efforts to control weapons in schools.