Essay on 3 Strategies to Prevent Violence: Hardening the Target, Blaming the Perpetrator, Blaming Society

Blame the victim: address prevention strategies to harden targets, that is, teach potential victims to avoid dangerous situations and respond to the needs of victims;Blame the perpetrator: Address prevention strategies at potential offenders, and respond to offenders in a way to deter others:Blame society: Look at broader cultural forces and how these cause or contribute to these forms of violence, and address strategies here.

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Give an example of EACH strategy

Hardening the target

The best strategy to harden the targets of sexual and domestic violence is by making them aware of how to identify potential perpetrators (Pali,p. 28). Once possible victims know how to identify a likely perpetrator, the victims can protect themselves. One way victims can protect themselves from sexual violence is by avoiding dangerous places and ensuring doors are locked, among others. It will remove the opportunity for the potential perpetrator to commit sexual violence. Potential victims of domestic violence can protect themselves through the installation of CCTVs or intruder cameras.

Potential offenders

Dealing with potential offenders requires arrest and prosecution of perpetrators of violence (Martinez et al.). The best approach is to increase the rate at which criminals of violence are arrested and prosecuted. It is also known as deterrence. Research reveals that the strict enforcement of laws helps to deter potential offenders of violence from committing such crimes.

Cultural forces

A cultural force such as accepting that violence is an ideal way of solving misunderstandings in the home is a huge promoter of sexual and domestic violence. Secondly, society's acceptance of alcoholic intoxication among people promotes violence (Pali, p.35). The best strategy is to create awareness of the causes and severity of violence in the community. The promotion of non-violent societal norms then follows it through educating members of society.

Explain which strategy(ies) you think best to prevent and respond to these forms of violence

All the strategies are ideal in preventing and responding to these forms of violence. Target hardening strategy prevents potential victims from becoming actual victims. Deterrence, which entails arrest and prosecution, is ideal for dealing with the perpetrators of violence. It also deters potential perpetrators from undertaking crime. Coping with cultural forces helps to change mindsets that may be promoting violence.

2. Think about marginalized individuals and how current systems and responses might not be inclusive of everyone's needs:

(a) Discuss a specific concept/response/strategy/policy (either discussed in class or not) that addresses these forms of violence;

Domestic and sexual violence is acknowledged as an extreme violation of human rights. Specific policies have been established to charge offenders, support victims, and inhibit these forms of violence (Domestic Violence,p. 150). Legal guidelines have been provided to enable victims to report cases and have the offender prosecuted. The perpetrators of such acts of violence can be subjected to criminal suits. The policy has also intervened in supporting victims by offering shelter as well as similar aid.

(b) Discuss specifically one or more marginalized group and how this group's needs may not be sufficiently met in our current system(s)

Immigrants, especially the illegal ones, belong to the category of highly marginalized communities in America. They seek ways of mitigating poverty by risking their lives and coming into a foreign country. They desire to obtain citizenship and assume the rights being enjoyed by other American citizens (Comas-Diaz,p. 7). The situations they find themselves it strips them off dignity and other human rights. The current system addressing domestic and sexual violence against Americans fails to meet their needs. It can be explained by the fact that they fear being deported back to their home countries. Some police reports reveal that very few immigrants are willing to report incidences of these forms of violence. The current system has reinforced stringent measures that have increased hostility against immigrants. It makes it difficult for immigrants to report cases of violence

(c) What change or policy would you suggest to better address the issues you discussed in (b)

Immigrants are also human beings despite their place of birth or skin color. They require protection from sexual and domestic violence. The ideal strategy would be to protect immigrants, both registered and unregistered, as long as they are not perpetrators of any crime (Comas-Diaz, p.10). Policies should be created to protect these men and women from violence. It is worth noting that men are also victims of violence. The police, together with legislators, should formulate a policy that provides for the safety of an immigrant. They should be protected despite them being in America illegally.

3. Evolving technology has changed the way we conduct activism

a) Describe one or more specific examples of 21st-century forms of activism.

The advent of technology has led to the development of social media platforms. The platforms have facilitated the phenomena of social media activism. It entails the use of technology to disseminate information connected to political and social activities (Downing). Activists use platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to organize campaigns and protest against issues affecting society. Social media activism is an instrument that is effective for creating awareness that sometimes leads to revolution. Protesters have embraced social media because of its extensive adoption by billions of users. It has excellent features that facilitate interaction, which is essential in rallying supporters.

(b) Do you believe this type of activism is effective as compared with traditional in-person/face to face forms? Why or why not?

In comparison to traditional in-person forms of activism, social media activism can be considered less effective. In as much as social media has the potential to reach billions of people, tiny portions of online campaigners are usually enthusiastic to devote to offline activities. It is challenging to translate social engagements into the real change of policies (Downing). Face-to-face forms of activism were more effective because they provided people with common interests gathered together in public spaces. The people understood their rights and fought hard in unity, to push for change. Traditional activism entailed physical groups that looked out for each other and developed aggression for changed as they watched the plight of marginalized groups in the society.

(c) Give the opposing view to (b) then explain why you disagree

Supporters of social media activism believe that the use of social media is more effective because multitudes of people have adopted the platforms. Today, it is almost to find an individual without a social media presence (Downing). Even the elderly in society are active on social media. Enthusiasts of social media believe that millions of people will share a post made on various platforms. Consequently, it will reach a million other people. However, they forget that most people use social media for fun. They may share a post on a specific campaign but end up doing nothing about it. It makes it hard to create any significant change.

Works Cited

Comas-Diaz, Lillian. "Unsafe Sanctuary: Immigrants of Color Victims of Sexual Abuse." Handbook of Interpersonal Violence Across the Lifespan, 2020, pp. 1-18., doi:10.1007/978-3-319-62122-7_217-1.

Domestic Violence. "Mandatory Domestic Violence Arrest Policies." Domestic Violence, 2008, pp. 145-153., doi:10.1201/9781420061406.ch7.

Downing, John D. H. "Social Movement Media and Media Activism." Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Communication, 2018, doi:10.1093/acrefore/9780190228613.013.574.

Martinez, Daniel, et al. "Genograms: Promoting Healing In Families with Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse." PsycEXTRA Dataset, 2011, doi:10.1037/e579162012-037.

Pali, Brunilda. "Towards Integrative Frameworks for Addressing Sexual Violence." Restorative Responses to Sexual Violence, 2017, pp. 28-43., doi:10.4324/9781315630595-3.