April 2000 Vol. Youth violence and youth homicide rates in the general population are extremely high, and minorities have an even higher rate. Until recently, there has not been much information about violence-related morbidity and mortality among Hispanics in the United States.
Violent acts occur on a continuum of escalating severity.
They usually start with verbal and psychological abuse and continue with minor threats of physical aggression. This behavior often leads to an increase in acts of physical aggression and culminates, in severe cases, with homicide. There is no doubt that the Hispanic population is at higher risk for all types of violent acts. Homicide rates have also increased dramatically in the Hispanic population. In fact, homicide is the second leading cause of death among male Hispanic adolescents and young adults.