HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 08091994 - 2.4 "T BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
. ,
FROM: Mark Finucane Contra
Health Services C )sta
DATE'. August 9, 1994 Cry tnh�
SUBJECT: Ballot Measure: Support of Statewide Surcharge �+� ���
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S) OR RECOMMENDATION(S) & BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
.RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) PLACE the following measure on the November ballot for voter approval.
For the ballot itself:
Should Contra Costa County support state legislation to initiate a surcharge on ammunition, gun
sales, and firearms licenses to fund firearm safety education and violence prevention programs,
especially those involving youth?
For the voters pamphlet:
Support of this measure encourages the Board of Supervisors and all local cities to support state
legislation to attach a surcharge to all ammunition sales, gun sales, and firearm licenses
purchased statewide. It stipulates that monies collected from these sales should be used
exclusively to fund firearm education and violence prevention programs, especially those
involving youth.
Recognizing that violence is a costly and complex problem affecting the lives of many Contra
Costa residents; is a learned behavior and is therefore preventable; and that worthwhile solutions
are emerging throughout the country, state and nation, this initiative provides a funding
mechanism to support the expansion of'violerice prevention efforts. It indicates the priority this
county places on developing funding strategies to help prevent violence.
Individuals and families must be responsible for appropriate and responsible behavior. Cities,
the county, and school districts must 'provide leadership and direction based on current
knowledge of and research on violence prevention. Systematic coordination which builds upon
existing local efforts, and an access to a wide range of programmatic responses is essential.
Direct activities, programs and policies should be incorporated into all relevant organizations at
every level of the community.
Support of state legislation will help ensure that funding is earmarked to support expanded
programmatic and policy responses to meet the challenge of preventing violence. It will increase
the possibility that a broad array of alternatives, including conflict resolution and anger
management, training for professionals, public education, neighborhood ased efforts,
recreational opportunities, and diversion activities will be implemented.,
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: _X_ YES SIGNATURE:
f
RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
APPROVE OTHER
SIGNATURE S :
ACTION OF BOARD ON !!L'� APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED T. OTHER _
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
1 HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE
UNAN 1 MOUS (ABSENT AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACT 1 ON TAKEN
AYES: NOES. AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN.
Contact: Mark Finucane
CC: CAO ATTESTED
Supervisor Torlakson PHIL BA HELOR,.CLERK OF THE BOARD OF
Mark Finucane SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
Larry Cohen
BY 0'
M382/7-83 1 �� ,DEPUTY
BACKGROUND:
On February 1, 1994 the Board Of Supervisors adopted a preliminary plan for violence
prevention as presented by the Health Services Department. The Board directed the Health
Services Department to work with cities, school districts and non-profit organizations to
coordinate a county-wide effort. Numerous meetings have been held throughout the county, to
supplement and reinforce existing violence prevention activities of community residents and
agencies.
Violence is a severe problem in Contra Costa County as elsewhere in the nation. Local residents
endure significant physical and emotional suffering; widespread daily fear, grief, and loss of
personal safety; and a burden of real financial costs primarily borne through support to the
health care and criminal justice systems. The examples below partially illustrate the magnitude
of the problem.
In 1992, firearm injuries were the leading cause of injury deaths to Contra Costa residents,
nearly twice as many as deaths related to motor vehicles.
From 1988-1990, firearm injuries were the leading cause of death for Contra Costa youth
between the ages of 10 and 14.
Throughout the county, 4346 aggravated assaults were reported to law enforcement agencies
during 1992.
As reported to local law enforcement agencies, 309 forcible rapes were perpetrated on Contra
Costa residents during 1992. It is estimated that reported rapes are only 1/3 - 1/2 of those that
actually take place.
Domestic violence is a greater cause of injury to women than car accidents, rapes, and muggings
combined.
Violent crimes appear to be increasing although crime as a whole is diminishing across the
country.
This situation is not acceptable. The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, however,
firmly believes that violence is preventable, that we must seize all opportunities to reduce and
prevent it. Therefore the Board joins with cities and school districts throughout the county to
make violence prevention a priority issue.
Many laudable efforts have already begun in our communities. In the past few months a Youth
Summit and two regional summits on May 3 and June 25, have advanced the progress of local
violence prevention efforts. We can weave them together further, sharing good ideas and
building upon efforts developed in our various and diverse communities.
To effectively prevent and reduce violence, we must link together the various sectors throughout
the county to further develop and implement a county-wide action plan to reduce and prevent
violence.
COST
Should surcharges be implemented it would bring additional revenue into the county that would
be used to expand violence prevention efforts. Additionally, preventing violence saves money.
"Violence caused almost one-fifth of injury medical care costs ($13.5 billion) nationally in
1992." according to U.S. Senate Finance Committee. The average cost of medical treatment
for one hospitalized gunshot wound victim among all age groups is over $33,000, according to
the Children's Safety Network.
2 .4 a
THE BOARD OR SUPERVISORS OF
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
Adopted this Order on _August 9, 1994 by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Smith, Bishop, DeSaulnier, Torlakson, Powers
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
SUBJECT: Violence Prevention
In its approval of two ballot measures on a Violence
Prevention Action Plan and Support of a Statewide Surcharge on
the sale of firearms and ammunition to fund firearm safety
education and violence prevention programs, the Board also took
the following actions:
A. AGREED to commit one-half to one percent of the
County's General Fund revenues to fund violence
prevention programs and REFERRED this matter to
the Finance Committee;
B. APPOINTED Supervisors Tom Torlakson and Mark
DeSaulnier as Co-chairs of the Countywide Violence
Prevention Task Force with instructions to work
with staff in the development of a resolution
setting forth the charge and membership of the
Task Force for subsequent consideration by the
Board of Supervisors; and
C. REQUESTED Larry Cohen, Director of the County's
Prevention Program, to report to County Counsel on
potential local revenue sources to fund violence
prevention programs.
I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of
an action taken and entered on the minutes of the
Boats of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: C 4, af SL
PHIL BATCIztL0R,Clerk of the Board
Of Supervisors and County Administrator
cc: Health Services Director
Larry Cohen 6y ,Deputy
County Administrator &17
�`
Finance Committee
Supervisor Torlakson
Supervisor DeSaulnier
County Counsel
Auditor-Controller
V
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS v
FRCM: Mark Finucane (C����'.l�}tra
Health Services COSta
DATE' August 9, 1994 CO
�.�,},�
SUBJECT: Ballot Measure: Violence Prevention Action Plan \ �U� �ly
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S) OR RECOMMENDATION(S) & BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION,
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) PLACE the following measure on the November ballot for voter approval.
For the ballot itself:
Should the County-wide Action Plan to prevent violence be endorsed, and; should a county-wide
effort be conducted to build upon and coordinate existing violence prevention activities involving
all city, county and school jurisdictions, leading to the expansion of violence prevention efforts
in Contra Costa County.
For the voter's pamphlet:
Support of this ballot initiative indicates that a county-wide effort should be conducted to build
upon and coordinate violence prevention activities involving all city, county, and school
jurisdictions, leading to expansion of violence prevention efforts in Contra Costa County.
Recognizing that violence is a costly and complex problem affecting the lives of many Contra
Costa residents; is a learned behavior and is therefore preventable; and that worthwhile solutions
are emerging throughout the country, state and nation, this initiative indicates support for the
County-wide action plan to prevent violence. It indicates the priority Contra Costa County
places on pursuing programmatic initiatives and funding plans to prevent violence.
Individuals and families must be responsible for appropriate and responsible behavior. Cities,
the county, and school districts must provide leadership and direction based on current
knowledge of and research on violence prevention. Systematic coordination which builds upon
existing local efforts, and an access to a wide range of programmatic responses is essential.
Direct activities, programs and policies should be incorporated into all relevant organizations at
every level of the community. A broad array of alternatives, including conflict resolution,
professional training, public education, neighborhood based efforts, youth involvement and
diversion activities should be planned and implemented.
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: _X_ YES SIGNATURE:
v
RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOAIID COMMITTEE
APPROVE OTHER
SIGNATURE(S):
ACTION OF BOARD ON �� APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
1 HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE
UNANIMOUS (ABSENT AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN
AYES: NOES. AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN.
Contact: Mark Finucane
CC: C?Q ATTESTED /
Super,�isor Torlakson PHIL BATCHELOR, CLERK OF THE BOARD OF
Mark Filinucane SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
Larry Cohen
etc e-f,o
M382/7-83 BY t. ,DEPUTY
BACKGROUND:
On February 1, 1994 the Board Of Supervisors adopted a preliminary plan for violence
prevention as presented by the Health Services Department. The Board directed the Health
Services Department to work with cities, school districts and non-profit organizations to
coordinate a county-wide effort. Numerous meetings have been held throughout the county, to
supplement and reinforce existing violence prevention activities of community residents and
agencies.
Violence is a severe problem in Contra Costa County as elsewhere in the nation. Local residents
endure significant physical and emotional suffering; widespread daily fear, grief, and loss of
personal safety; and a burden of real financial costs primarily borne through support to the
health care and criminal justice systems. The examples below partially illustrate the magnitude
of the problem.
In 1992, firearm injuries were the leading cause of injury deaths to Contra Costa residents,
nearly twice as many as deaths related to motor vehicles.
From 1988-1990, firearm injuries were the leading cause of death for Contra Costa youth
between the ages of 10 and 14.
Throughout the county, 4346 aggravated assaults were reported to law enforcement agencies
during 1992.
As reported to local law enforcement agencies, 309 forcible rapes were perpetrated on Contra
Costa residents during 1992. It is estimated that reported rapes are only 1/3 - 1/2 of those that
actually take place.
Domestic violence is a greater cause of injury to women than car accidents, rapes, and muggings
combined.
Violent crimes appear to be increasing although crime as a whole is diminishing across the
country.
This situation is not acceptable. The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, however,
firmly believes that violence is preventable, that we must seize all opportunities to reduce and
prevent it. Therefore the Board joins with cities and school districts throughout the county to
make violence prevention a priority issue in this county.
Many laudable efforts have already begun in our communities. In the past few months a Youth
Summit and two regional summits have advanced the progress of local violence prevention
efforts. We can weave them together further, sharing good ideas and building upon efforts
developed in our various and diverse communities.
To effectively prevent and reduce violence, we must link together the various sectors throughout
the county to further develop and implement a county-wide action plan to reduce and prevent
violence.
COST
As an advisory measure, there is no cost to the county. Violence prevention saves money.
"Violence caused almost one-fifth of injury medical care costs ($13.5 billion) nationally in
1992." according to U.S. Senate Finance Committee. The average cost of medical treatment
for one hospitalized gunshot wound victim among all age groups is over $33,000, according to
the Children's Safety Network.
Preventing Violence in Contra Costa County:
A Countywide Action Plan
l
placed on the November ballot by the
Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors
August 9, 1994
for further information:
Contra Costa Health Services Department
Prevention Program
(510) 646-6511
Preventing Violence in Contra Costa County:
A Countywide Action Plan
The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors firmly believes that violence is preventable and that
all opportunities to reduce and prevent violence in Contra Costa should be pursued. Therefore, the
Board joins with cities, school districts, and community members throughout the county to make
violence prevention a priority.
Violence is a learned behavior and therefore preventable. The Countywide Action Plan is formulated
with the premise that violence is a health issue. As a health issue, violence requires attention not just
to the outcomes of violent injury, but to the symptoms and, ultimately, to the prevention of
violence. Therefore, this plan recommends the systematic integration of community, private, and
public entities in the development of solutions.
For more than ten years, community agencies and government departments have been coordinating a
variety of violence prevention efforts. Many efforts by community-based programs predate the
county government's role in violence prevention. Voter approval of the Action Plan is an
endorsement of increased awareness, concern, commitment, and involvement of the entire Contra
Costa County population so that a significant reduction in violence will be achieved.
The Countywide Action Plan delineates 25 critical recommendations that will reduce violence in the
county. A fully inclusive list of recommendations would require surveying existing and proposed
violence prevention measures throughout communities and government. A supplemental document,
the Framework for Action, enumerates many of the specific activities that local communities and
governmental bodies can undertake to reduce violence. The Framework is intended as a working
document to be broadened and revised on a community by community basis.
A completely effective violence prevention plan would also address the root causes of violence,
including fundamental issues relating to unemployment, oppression and mental health. However, the
25 recommendations enumerated here can serve as guidelines to help identify priorities and allocate
resources.
These recommendations deal with six themes: Safe Homes, Safe Schools, Safe Neighborhoods, Safe
Workplaces, Government Service and Policy Initiatives. The recommendations are organizing
principles, implementation in each community would require the development of specific action
steps and examples. This document is primarily concerned with assault, homicide, sexual assault,
and battering. Child abuse, elder abuse, and suicide are not as thoroughly addressed in the plan,
although following these recommendations would significantly impact on each of these concerns.
Preventing violence is a responsibility that will take many years to achieve. This Countywide Action
Plan will serve as a road map to help us reach our goals more effectively. For further information,
please call the Health Services Department Prevention Program, (510) 646-6511.
1
RECOMMENDATIONS
Homes
Recommendation 1: Promote the concept that all Contra Costa home environments can and
should be violence free.
Recommendation 2: Provide community and governmental support to families that will
assist them in reducing the risk of violence.
Recommendation 3: Recognize family violence as a significant problem in all parts of the
community and reduce its prevalence and impact.
Schools
Recommendation 4: Develop educational interventions to empower youth who, despite
disadvantages, can develop social competence, problem-solving skills, autonomy, resiliency,
and a sense of purpose or future.
Recommendation 5: Raise awareness of the link between violence, alcohol, and other
drug abuse.
Recommendation 6: Create stronger linkages between schools, community groups, and
government for violence prevention.
Recommendation 7: Foster a school environment which provides for the safety of the
campus community and creates an atmosphere conducive to learning and respect.
Neighborhoods
Recommendation 8: Conduct activities which help create a sense of community and draw
on the natural strengths of groups and individuals in their neighborhoods.
Recommendation 9: Promote efforts which assist in creating an atmosphere of safety in
streets and neighborhoods.
Recommendation 10: Promote awareness, knowledge, and involvement of the diverse
cultures in Contra Costa County, including "youth culture."
Recommendation 11: Provide and enhance opportunities that enable individuals, families
and the community as a whole to heal from the impact of violence.
2
Recommendation 12: Ensure that all youth have the opportunity to engage in
constructive, safe, and supervised activities during non-school hours.
Recommendation 13: Cooperate with religious leaders and congregations in providing
education and support to individuals and families.
Recommendation 14: Distribute violence prevention information and resources through
traditional and non-traditional media and public information avenues, including teachers,
counselors, librarians, and health care providers, among others.
Recommendation 15: Provide direct services to youth through community-based
organizations which complement and enhance services already provided in the school
environment, including those that deal with alternatives to incarceration.
Workplaces
Recommendation 16: Expand public and private employment opportunities for young
people while encouraging them to remain in school.
Recommendation 17: Create a workplace atmosphere which enhances employee safety
and support for violence related concerns.
Recommendation 18: Create an atmosphere conducive to the involvement of businesses as
a partner in community violence prevention efforts.
Government
Recommendation 19: Conduct and distribute research and data that will assist
practitioners, policy makers, and the public in understanding and intervening appropriately in
the epidemic of violence.
Recommendation 20: Implement violence prevention activities within governmental
settings which can serve as a model for other workplaces.
Recommendation 21: Develop organizational guidelines and protocols which assure and
streamline the delivery of violence prevention services.
Recommendation 22: Provide government leadership that enables the county as a whole
to enhance violence prevention efforts.
3
Policy Initiatives
Recommendation 23: Encourage government, school districts and city councils to enhance
local programmatic efforts by advocating statewide and national changes in policy.
Recommendation 24: Actively reduce the number of firearms, particularly handguns and
assault rifles, in private ownership.
Recommendation 25: Educate practitioners, policy makers, and advisors so that they have
adequate knowledge and skills to play a productive role in violence prevention efforts.
NEXT=STEPS
♦ Initiate a county wide task force to review the Countywide Action Plan to determine
priorities, immediate and long term implementation steps. This process should involve
young people, community groups and individuals, violence prevention practitioners,
religious and business representatives, and elected and appointed officials. The
Framework for Action is intended as a working document for this purpose (Available
through H.S.D. Prevention Program).
♦ Develop and implement an aggressive funding plan to support programmatic
recommendations.
♦ Initiate a broad training program to heighten the violence prevention skills of groups
involved in implementation.
♦ Map existing violence prevention efforts throughout the county.
♦ Identify roles and duties of those involved in leadership and implementation of The
Countywide Action Plan. Existing collaborative efforts should provide the
underpinning for implementation. Specify mechanisms whereby individuals can
become further involved in community efforts.
♦ Plan, develop, and advocate for an anti-violence legislative agenda.
♦ Assess progress on an annual basis. Recommendations must incorporate measures of
success to monitor progress, assess direction and assure that violence prevention is
maintained as a key item on the public agenda throughout the county and state.
DISK#104 ACTIONPL.815
4
11
Preventing Violence in Contra Costa County:
A Framework for Action
submitted to the
Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors
August 9, 1994
for further information contact:
Contra Costa Health Services Department
Prevention Program
(510) 646-6511
Preventing Violence In Contra Costa County:
A Framework for Action
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors firmly believes that violence is preventable
and that all opportunities to reduce and prevent violence in Contra Costa should be pursued.
Therefore, the Board joins with cities, school districts, and community members throughout
the county to make violence prevention a priority.
Violence is a learned behavior and therefore preventable. The Framework for Action is
formulated with the premise that violence is a health issue. As a health issue, violence
requires attention not just to the outcomes of violent injury, but to the symptoms and,
ultimately, to the prevention of violence. The term "health" is used here in the broadest
sense, not just the medical consequences, but as an approach that pinpoints the underlying
causes and risk factors, and recommends the systematic integration of community, private
and public entities in the development of solutions.
For more than ten years, community agencies and government departments have been
coordinating a variety of violence prevention efforts. Many efforts by community-based
programs predate the county government's role in violence prevention. The increased
awareness, concern, commitment, and involvement of the entire Contra Costa County
population can be directed so that a significant reduction in violence will be achieved. The
purpose of The Framework for Action is to describe the problem of violence, its impact in
Contra Costa County, and, most importantly, some of the critical initiatives that will reduce
violence in the county. The Framework is intended as a working supplement to the
countywide Action Plan for Violence Prevention. The Framework enumerates examples of
specific activities for each of the 25 recommendations in the Action Plan.
This Framework for Action is intended as a "work in progress." A fully inclusive list of
recommendations would require surveying existing and proposed violence prevention
measures throughout communities and government. A completely effective violence
prevention plan would also ensure that the underlying, root cause of violence had been dealt
with, including issues relating to unemployment, oppression and mental health. However, the
25 recommendations enumerated here can serve as focal points to help identify priorities and
allocate resources.
These recommendations deal with six themes: Safe Homes, Safe Schools, Safe Communities,
Safe Workplaces, Government Service, and Policy initiatives. Under each recommendation a
set of actions is listed; these actions are generally applicable to more than one
recommendation. The actions are intended as steps and examples, but may require
modification in a particular community, and certainly there are numerous other steps that
could be listed and should be undertaken. This document is primarily concerned with assault,
homicide, sexual assault and battering. Child abuse, elder abuse, and suicide are not as
thoroughly addressed, although attention to the recommendations here would have a
significant impact on every one of these concerns.
Preventing violence is a responsibility that will take many years and perhaps lifetimes to
achieve. This Framework for Action will serve as a road map to help us reach our goals
more effectively. For further information on The Framework for Action, please call the
Health Services Department Prevention Program, (510) 646-6511.
I. BACKGROUND
On February 1, 1994 the Board Of Supervisors adopted the preliminary plan for violence
prevention presented by the Health Services Department. The Board directed the Health
Services Department to work within county government, as well as with cities, school
districts, and non-profit organizations, in a concerted effort to reduce violence in Contra
Costa. Meetings were held in various regions of the county to find out how to supplement
and reinforce existing violence prevention activities.
Board of Supervisor's representatives hosted violence prevention summits in Central County
in May and East County in June. From these summits, a series of recommendations was
developed dealing with the themes of Safe Homes, Safe Neighborhoods, Safe Schools, and
Safe Workplaces. West County has sponsored numerous initiatives such as The Enterprise
Community, Increase The Peace Month, and the Opportunity West Community Substance
Abuse Partnership.
Many sectors of the community, including non-profit agencies and government, are already
taking important steps to prevent violence. The Framework proposes actions that will enhance
existing efforts and integrate them with new initiatives for preventing violence. It looks at the
role of government and institutions, as well as collaborative activities that would benefit from
partnerships between communities, government and the private sector.
The Framework for Action incorporates the recommendations which grew out of the two
regional summits; West county recommendations; research conducted by Health Services
Department staff; reports on violence prevention efforts in other communities; and the
expertise of individuals who have developed local programs and policies. It addresses six
areas: Safe Homes, Safe Schools, Safe Communities, Safe Workplaces, Government Service,
and Policy Initiatives. Information from organizations throughout the United States was
incorporated into this Framework. Special acknowledgement is due to the City of Seattle's
Violence Prevention Work Group.
Because the problem of violence is so complex, it is crucial that all who live and work in
Contra Costa County support the development and implementation of effective violence
prevention initiatives.
11. THE MAGNITUDE OF THE PROBLEM
A) Rates of Violence
Violence has reached what public health officials conclude is epidemic proportions. Too
many lives are lost or radically altered by violence, costing not only grief and emotional
suffering, but also a huge financial burden on the public to bear the costs of emergency
medical services, law enforcement and jails. Violence is as severe a problem in Contra Costa
County as in much of the rest of the nation. As the following figures show, the toll is great.
The rates for interpersonal violence are higher in the United States than any other
2
industrialized nation. For example,`in1990, the rape rate in the U.S. was 8 times higher
than in France, 15 times higher than in England, 20 times higher than in Portugal, 23 times
higher in Italy, 26 times higher than in Japan, and 46 times higher than in Greece.'
Nationally, motor vehicles are the leading cause of injury death among persons aged 1-34.
According to data currently being analyzed by the Health Services Prevention Program, in
1992 and 1993, the numberof homicides in Contra Costa surpassed motor vehicles as the
leading cause of injury death.
Violence (homicide and suicide) accounted for 44.8 percent of injury deaths in the county
between 1988 and 1992. Of these violent deaths, 54 percent were suicides and 46 percent
homicides. In 1993, however, homicide outranked suicide, comprising 61 percent of injury
deaths versus suicides (39 percent).
There are 60 million handguns in private hands in the United States.
From 1988-1990, firearm injuries were the leading cause of death for Contra Costa youth
between the ages of 10 and 14.
Firearms were the weapon most frequently reported in violent deaths in Contra Costa
-between 1988 and 1992 (more than 63 percent). In 1992, firearm injuries were the leading
cause of injury deaths to Contra Costa residents, nearly twice as many as deaths related to
motor vehicles.
Throughout the county, 4346 aggravated assaults were reported to law enforcement agencies
during 1992.
As reported to local law enforcement agencies, 309 forcible rapes were perpetrated on
Contra Costa women during 1992. It is estimated that reported rapes are only one-third to
one-half of those that actually take place. According to a majority staff report prepared for
the Senate Judiciary Committee, at least one out of five women will be sexually assaulted in
her lifetime.'
Battering is the leading cause of injury to women and accounts for nearly one third of all
emergency room visits by women. Each year, domestic violence generates more than 21,000
hospitalizations, 99,800 hospital days, and 39,900 physician visits.'
A study by California Crime Commission estimates that alcohol is associated with two-thirds
of all violent behavior; one-third of teen suicides are alcohol-related; and more than half of
all convicted rapists were drinking at the time of their offense.
3
Causes of Injury Death
Contra Costa County Residents, 1992
OtherTmnsport 22%
.FaiVJump 7,9% MotorVehkb 18S%
r 52%
rce 4.3%
Firearms 31.3
ng/Sulbc 7.1%
Drowning 52%
Fire/Bum 2.4%
Poisoning 18.0%
(N=368)
Source:California Department o1 HOBO SOWC0.Vital sia9sdcs
Firearm Injury Deaths
Contra Costa County Residents,1992
Total Number of Firearm Injury Deaths=115
Mab
874%
suicide
41.7%
Homicide
qw 54.8% 40
Unintentional Fermate
3.5%
Source:California Department of HeaM SerNces,Vital Sfadsdcs
Homicides by Weapon
Richmond,CA 1988-1993
100% (n=31) (n=38) (n=36) (n=81) (n=46) (n=55) -
80%
so% ®Other
I Knde
0Other Gun
40% MHandgun
20%
0%
1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993
Source:Ceff crnfa Department o1 Jusdca(198&1992);Richmond Police Department(1993)
B. COSTS OF VIOLENCE
"Violence caused almost one-fifth of injury medical care costs ($13.5 billion) nationally in
1992," according to testimony before the U.S. Senate Finance Committee.
According to national statistics compiled by the American Medical Association, direct
medical costs related to violence exceed $5 billion annually, and many of the estimated 1.5
million victims of assault each year are uninsured, placing an incredible burden on the public
to bear the cost.
The average cost of treating a child wounded by gunfire could provide a student with a year
of college education. Researchers surveyed hospital discharges from 44 acute care children's
hospitals and found that in 1991, the average hospital charges for gunshot wounds to children
were $14,434.
In 1992, the cost of direct medical and claims processing for the victims of gun violence
nationwide totaled approximately $3 billion.
According to the Physicians for a Violence Free Society, more than 80 inner city hospitals
have abandoned their emergency rooms in recent years due to unmanageable costs.
Between 1982 and 1992, the share of government spending going to the criminal justice
system rose from 5.4% to 7.5% (Business Week December 13, 1993). Incarcerating a 25
year-old for life costs a total of$600,000- $1,000,000. Average annual cost per prisoner is
$27,000.5
I11. ROOT CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS
The first step to effective action is to define the problem. Only after understanding the
dimensions of violence, its root causes and risk factors, can appropriate solutions be
developed.
Nationally, as well as locally, experts are finding that the same elements underlie the
problem of violence. Three causes (economics, oppression and mental health) and six
community risk factors have been identified. Addressing these causes is critical and requires
substantial re-ordering of political and social priorities. Although the risk factors are also
difficult to change, they are more amenable to modification.
A. Three Root Causes
1. Economics: The depressed economic conditions within a given community, as well as
individual cases of unemployment and underemployment, lead to significantly higher levels
of violence.
2. Oppression: Sexism, racism, and discrimination based on age, class, and cultural
background lead to a sense of inequality and powerlessness that is an underlying component
of many types of violence.
5
3. Mental Health: In the absence of individual responsibility and family support for
responsible behavior, violence is more likely to occur. An unsupportive home life, including
physical or psychological abuse, can produce low self-esteem in both the victim and
perpetrator. Violence begets violence; it is frequently cyclical. A culture which reinforces
violence makes the goal of individual responsibility more difficult to achieve.
It is important to note that while African Americans are the most severely affected by
violence and the most likely to be jailed for violent offenses, neither race nor ethnicity is a
primary risk factor. The disproportionately high levels of violence among the African
American population are indicators of the underlying economic and social conditions in
which the population is likely to find itself. The devastation of these communities by violence
is best understood, according to Dr. Deborah Prothrow-Stith, author of Deadly
Consequences, as a reaction to poverty and to over-crowding, in the context of an American
culture where violence "is as American as apple pie."'
B. Six Community Risk Factors
1. Guns: By virtue of the fact that guns are involved in the vast majority of homicides and
suicides, their availability and lethality is a major concern that needs to be addressed.
2. Media: Although the mass media justify sensationalization of violence and sexual
objectification by claiming that these are what the public wants for entertainment, studies
show the psychological damage of such programming.
3. Alcohol and Other Drugs: The drug most frequently associated with violence is the one
subsidized by the government and legally marketed to consumers: alcohol. The illicit drug
trade also contributes significantly to violence.
4. Incarceration: Although incarceration is frequently necessary, if there is no funding for
adequate prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation programs, then it is the only form of
violence reduction available. When incarceration is the only option, prisons can become a
training ground for more violence. Building and maintaining jails also uses resources that
could be channeled to violence prevention efforts.
S. Witnessing Acts of Violence: Experiencing violence can produce Post Traumatic Stress
Disorder (PTSD), similar to that experienced by war veterans. Exposure to, or direct
involvement in, violence is likely to create the belief that violence is the normal form of
conflict resolution.
6. Community Deterioration: The funding for community services throughout the United
States has taken a notable downturn. Schools, health and mental health services, libraries,
recreational centers, and parks are all critical institutions that provide a buffer against the
likelihood of violence. At the same time, the "web" of community participation seems to be
unravelling, with people's attention focused more on the needs of their own families than the
health of the community as a whole.
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'IV . A PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACH
As a health issue, violence requires attention not just to the outcomes of violent injury, but to
the symptoms and, ultimately, to the prevention of violence. The term "health" is used here
in the broadest sense, not just the medical consequences, but as an approach that pinpoints
the underlying causes and risk factors, and recommends the systematic integration of
community, private and public entities in the development of solutions.
The health of a community is a composite of physical, psychological, social, and economic
variables. Consequently, the responsibility for overall community health resides in a number
of systems, including the family, education, health, work, criminal justice, and social
services.
An African proverb states, "It takes a village to raise a child." Ending violence will require
that people in each neighborhood assume responsibility for the problem -- even if doing so is
risky and frustrating. Stopping the momentum of violence requires a "critical mass" of
people who are willing to speak out and to work together to change the structures and
policies that frame the way we live.
V. PRINCIPLES AND GUIDELINES
The Framework for Action plan delineates 25 recommendations. They are intended as focal
points for identifying priorities and allocating resources. They are meant to augment, refine,
and broaden the efforts already initiated by citizens and institutions throughout Contra Costa
County. This plan is a "work in progress." A fully inclusive list of recommendations would
require a much more detailed description of existing and projected activities. The concepts of
Safe Homes, Safe Schools, Safe Communities, Safe Workplaces, Government Leadership and
Service, and Policy Development deserve further elaboration. The recommendations in this
Framework for Action are followed by suggested actions. The actions are intended as steps
and examples, and may require modification in a particular community. Certainly, there are
numerous other steps that could be investigated and considered.
All of the recommendations include the following principles, which are guidelines for
planning, policy development, and implementation.
a) Build on existing local efforts and support initiatives that arise from within
communities. Many community groups and organizations, individuals, and
collaboratives throughout the county grapple with violence-related prevention efforts.
Their work must be acknowledged, supported, and enhanced.
b) Foster individual responsibility and involvement. Each person has the responsibility
for behaving nonviolently. Resources to support individual and family mental health
need to be readily accessible.
c) Utilize available data and state-of-the-art violence prevention strategies. Violence
prevention efforts can be most effective when based on accurate information about
what works.
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d) Encourage partnerships, collaboration;and integration,of services. Violence is a
complex issue which requires removing barriers that inhibit solutions from emerging.
Pay special attention to the expertise of existing coalitions.
e) Emphasize a multi-level approach. Individual change, institution-wide programs,
community activities, and county-wide policies are needed. Every level of
involvement, from home to school and board room, is critical to changing the
"culture of violence."
f) Support and involve youth in decision-making. Many young people feel isolated and
unsupported. Some are victims and/or perpetrators. Changing the experience of
young people, and adult attitudes about young people, is crucial to finding a solution
to violence.
g) Resources must be made available. Those who work with young people in schools and,
communities throughout the county are painfully aware of the dearth of resources for
violence prevention activities. There can be no substitute for funding such
programmatic efforts.
h) Develop concrete criteria for success. The accomplishments of the elements of this
Framework must be measured and reviewed. Furthermore, it is not enough to simply
put programs in place; they must be of high quality and play a clear role in achieving
the goal of reducing violence in Contra Costa County.
Recommendation 1: Promote the concept that all Contra Costa home environments can and
should be violence free.
Key elements to include:
* Conflict and anger management
* Communication with children
* Communication with schools and other organizations
* Discipline guidelines and techniques
* Reducing.the impact of television violence
* Instilling respect and kindness
* Diminishing risk associated with firearms in homes
* Developing a family safety plan
* Alcohol and other drug risks
Encourage parents to demonstrate alternatives to aggressive interpersonal
confrontations at home.
Recommendation 2: Provide community and governmental support to families that assists
them in reducing the risk of violence.
Provide education, materials, and referrals which assist residents in becoming more
aware of community and school resources, current violence prevention related
services and alternative activities.
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Develop ongoing care, services, and training in parenting, conflict resolution,
substance abuse, and mental health, to victims of violence, perpetrators, and high risk
families. -
Using an integrated service model, provide enhanced support services for youth who
are having difficulty at home
Recommendation 3: Recognize family violence as a significant problem in all parts of the
community and reduce its prevalence and impact.
Initiate a county-wide Domestic Violence Council to advise government and improve
community support for family violence reduction and prevention.
Mandate treatment for spousal abusers.
Require vertical prosecution (a consistent prosecutor for an entire family violence
case) to maximize consistency and competence in prosecuting such cases.
Provide domestic violence treatment in county jails to inmates convicted of spousal
abuse.
Confiscate firearms in any home that is the site of a domestic assault, and
immediately restrict ownership of all guns by people who are under court restraining
orders.
Encourage health care providers to establish and maintain referral systems for victims
of domestic violence.
Enhance police training for handling domestic violence situations and making
appropriate referrals.
Support shelters and provide bed space for people at risk of domestic violence.
Recommendation 4: Conduct activities which help create a sense of community and draw
on the natural strengths of groups and individuals in their neighborhoods.
Initiate and strengthen such neighborhood networks as block parties, neighborhood
watch groups, neighborhood watch fairs, neighborhood associations and councils.
Identify and support natural helpers for children/block parents to provide after school
supervision and support when parents are unavailable.
Encourage retired persons and other community members to volunteer in school and
community activities.
Support community initiated and neighborhood based projects.
Increase and support the presence of knowledgeable, caring adults in the lives of
young people, with special emphasis on high-risk children and youth.
9
Recommendation 5: Promote efforts which assist in creating an atmosphere of safety in
streets and neighborhoods.
Expand community policing to encourage improved police and community relations
and enhance violence prevention efforts.
Develop a cadre of trained gang intervention specialists to work directly with gang-
affiliated young people.
Create "Safe Havens" for youth and families in community resource rooms, churches,
private homes, and businesses.
Strengthen and expand "Take Back the Night" activities and community events which
promote peace and honor victims of violence.
Improve lighting and security in vulnerable locations; e.g. ATM's, community
centers.
Recommendation 6: Promote awareness, knowledge, and involvement of the diverse
cultures in Contra Costa County, including "youth culture."
Develop activities and materials which highlight the contributions of specific cultural
groups and individuals.
Broaden the representation of all cultural groups on county and city boards and
commissions.
Create a county-wide youth council to foster feedback from young people, and solicit
input on realistic prevention activities. Sponsor youth forums and summits to foster
youth involvement.
Provide trainings on cultural diversity to employees in public and private workplaces
throughout the county.
Increase the availability of parenting classes which are culturally and ethnically
appropriate for diverse communities, through churches, health clinics, schools, and
other public, private, and community agencies.
Create or expand inter-generational programs and messages which promote respect
and tolerance for both youth and elders.
Recommendation 7: Enhance opportunities which enable individuals, families and the
community as a whole to heal from-the impact of violence.
Coordinate and enhance emergency mental health response to victims and witnesses of
violent incidents similar to that which exists for other epidemics or natural disasters,
including critical incident debriefing after violent incidents, violence risk assessment
and referral to ongoing supportive services.
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Train and support community groups and individuals that provide ongoing emotional
support to affected individuals.
Recommendation 8: Assure that all youth have the opportunity to engage in constructive,
safe, and supervised activities during non-school hours.
Open more late-night recreation areas, library homework centers, and education
programs for youth; include tutoring, computer skills, and athletics; e.g. midnight
basketball, midnight Shakespeare.
Adjust staffing patterns and scheduling as necessary to accommodate afternoon and
evening activities for young people in sites such as community centers.
Make parks and playgrounds safe.
Recommendation 9: Expand public and private employment opportunities for young
people while encouraging them to remain in school.
Increase number of job opportunities for youth.
Provide school and community based job skills training, job search and career
guidance and mentoring programs.
Link school and business efforts to create mentoring and internship programs for high
school youth.
Train and employ youth to help achieve violence prevention.goals.
Recommendation 10: Enhance the involvement of religious leaders and congregations in
providing education and support to individuals and families.
Increase the use of churches, mosques, and synagogues as place to meet and
collaborate.
Enhance training to clergy and lay leaders to address violence related issues.
Encourage religious leaders to become involved in violence prevention efforts
throughout the community.
Recommendation 11: Disseminate violence prevention information and resources through
traditional and non-traditional media and public information avenues.
Emphasize the message that violence is preventable, highlight the positive actions of
youth, and promote violence prevention efforts.
Develop an extensive media campaign using effective anti-violence messages.
Re-establish Bay Area Information and Retrieval Services (BAIRS).
11
Publicize crisis intervention and other "help" lines.
Compile and distribute information guides which outline all available programs and
agencies relating to violence prevention.
Enhance the use of school and public libraries in collecting and displaying violence
prevention materials; e.g. educational videos.
Enhance the use of churches, schools, community based agency sites, and businesses
as outlets for information.
Recommendation 12: Develop educational interventions to empower youth who, despite
disadvantages, develop social competence, problem-solving skills, autonomy, resiliency, and
a sense of purpose or future.
Develop and implement K-12 curriculum in all local schools which serves as a basis
for violence prevention:
* Communication skills, conflict and anger management;
* History with a cultural perspective;
* Causes and prevention of violence which integrates culturally diverse
approaches;
* Expand family life skills education; and
* Alcohol and drug issues.
Encourage appropriate opportunities for youth to express the impact of violence on
their lives.
Improve reading skills of young people and adults.
Include community service involvement as a requirement for graduation at all
elementary, middle, and high school levels.
Lobby for modifications in the Education Code that support the development and
implementation of violence prevention curriculums, including any appropriate teacher
training.
Recommendation 13: Raise awareness of the link between violence, alcohol, and other
drug abuse.
Incorporate violence prevention into existing alcohol and other drug interventions in
school and community settings.
Include alcohol and other drug treatment in interventions for violent individuals.
Publicize accurate information on the relationship of alcohol and other drug abuse to
violence.
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'Recommendation 14: Create stronger linkages between schools, community groups, and
government for violence prevention.
Enhance community access to school facilities for community events.
Support programmatic partnerships involving community and school groups.
Coordinate school-based zero tolerance policies and existing county and community-
based efforts.
Recommendation 15: Foster a school environment which provides for the safety of the
campus community and creates an atmosphere conducive to learning and respect.
Obtain a commitment from top-level school district officials to make violence
prevention a priority.
Promote clear guidelines, procedures, and protocols related to incidents of violence on
campus; e.g. zero tolerance.
Create staff positions to deal with problems outside of the classrooms. .
Create or strengthen alternatives to expulsion.
Strengthen lines of communication between school and home.
Increase parent participation through parent contracts and other methods.
Sponsor school-based events with violence prevention and cultural celebration themes,
e.g. Violence Prevention month.
Create student "Bill of Rights" where it doesn't already exist.
Create or expand "student assistance" programs where young people are encouraged
to work together to improve the school.
Recommendation 16: Provide direct services to youth through community-based
organizations which complement and enhance those provided in the school environment.
Enhance violence prevention training and leadership programs.
Expand and coordinate opportunities for leadership and community service.
Create or expand tutoring and mentoring opportunities.
Increase alternatives to incarceration and strengthen re-entry support for incarcerated
young people.
Promote positive peer interaction through peer counseling programs and education.
13
Make community mental health resources more available to young people.
Improve and expand the dissemination of information to youth about available
programs and services.
Recommendation 17: Create an atmosphere in which enhances employee safety and
support for violence related concerns.
Develop and provide materials, training, and consultation related to the problem of
workplace violence and what can be done to prevent it.
Provide forums for discussion, institute training and procedures for employer(ees) in
the following areas:
* Interpersonal skills;
* Anger management;
* Conflict resolution with clients, co-workers, and the public;
* Stress management;
* Fears related to violence in the work setting; and
* Awareness of definitions, escalators and precursors of violence.
Promote employee flexibility with schedules for violence prevention training.
Involve labor unions in planning for effective, appropriate workplace violence
prevention efforts.
Create visual aids on conflict resolution--in workplace settings.
Provide childcare alternatives for workers.
Promote awareness and encourage use of Employee Assistance Programs.
Encourage individual businesses to develop a violence-related safety plan that
acknowledges the needs of both workers and clients.
Recommendation 18: Create an atmosphere conducive to the involvement of businesses as
a partner in community violence prevention efforts.
Involve private business in sponsoring paid internships for young people; encourage
career ladders from paid internships to longer term jobs.
Encourage business participation in mentoring, such as Compac and.the School
Volunteer Program.
Coordinate business funding of local violence prevention efforts.
Encourage business "Adopt-a-school" program and other community participation
efforts.
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Recommendation 19: Actively reduce the number of firearms in private ownership.
Exercise local zoning and licensing powers to enhance local regulation of gun dealers.
Impose applicable fees on firearms and ammunition to fund local enforcement,
prevention, and education programs.
Restrict the availability of ammunition and ban high-velocity and fragmentation
bullets.
Limit firearms purchases to one per month.
Encourage corporate and governmental sponsorship of gun buy-back programs.
Call for the repeal of the state's pre-emption of firearms legislation and encourage
stronger state regulations.
Enforce existing laws that regulate the sale of firearms and encourage all coordination
between county departments with responsibility for such enforcement.
Continue to support emerging state and federal legislation which regulates firearm
purchases, manufacturing, sales, and transfers and licensure.
Recommendation 20: Assure that practitioners, policy makers, and advisors have
adequate knowledge and skills to play a productive role in violence prevention efforts.
Initiate a broad training program in violence prevention for county and community
professions, with particular emphasis on these topics:
* Conflict resolution involving coworkers, clients, and administration;
* Recognizing emerging violent situations;
* Assessing and referring with high risk individuals
* Listening to clients/community;
* Violence prevention strategies;
* Contributing and risk factors;
* Policy and environmental approaches; and
* Data sources, interpreting and sharing data, epidemiology of violence.
Make violence prevention training mandatory for HSD contracted service providers.
Recommendation 21: Conduct and disseminate research and data that will assist
practitioners, policy makers, and the public in understanding and intervening appropriately in
the epidemic of violence.
Analyze current local data to develop a violence profile for Contra Costa County.
Conduct county-wide survey of firearm injuries and deaths, to be completed by July
1994.
15
Further refine and disseminate existing research on<alcohol and other drug abuse
related to violence.
Participate in national forums and networks of violence prevention professionals to
gain access to state of the art research and methods.
Conduct targeted research into effective programs, models, and policies used locally,
statewide, and nationally.
Recommendation 22: Implement violence prevention activities within governmental
settings which can serve as a model for other workplaces, and link these with community
based efforts.
Use government as a laboratory for new violence prevention approaches such as
"Violence-Free Zones" in all county office and clinic settings.
Identify and create an inventory of all current activities conducted in county
departments related to the issue of violence.
Train medical personnel to use current protocols better for serving clients affected by
violence, including those for domestic violence.
Provide a social worker trained in violence prevention to appropriate county clinics to
conduct support programs and refer clients to community resources.
Develop a pilot "clinic safety plan" in at least one governmental setting.
Recommendation 23: Develop organizational guidelines and protocols which assure and
streamline the delivery of violence prevention services.
Develop uniform protocol for all Health Department settings which assists staff in
identifying and referring patients affected by violence.
Avoid waiting lists for persons in need of services; when waiting lists are inescapable,
provide some immediate services/personal connections.
Streamline internal communication within government regarding violence prevention
services and related community services to inform or refer clients and community
members.
Recommendation 24: Provide government leadership which enables the county as a whole
to enhance violence prevention efforts.
Establish a Violence Prevention Task Force to coordinate implementation of The
Framework for Action to include community leaders, community based organizations,
young people, business representatives, elected officials and other governmental
representatives.
Sponsor an annual forum and hold frequent trainings on countywide violence-related
16
policies, programs, media advocacy and prevention strategies.
Encourage newly trained advisory board members and staff to become participants in
efforts sponsored by others throughout the county; see also Networks, Linkages, and
Coalition Activities.
Formalize existing linkages between substance abuse and violence prevention efforts
throughout the county to incorporate violence and substance abuse prevention themes
and activities.
Support multi-disciplinary funding that includes community leaders, community-based
organizations, government programs; support multi-disciplinary and multi-sectoral
projects.
Health Services Department (HSD) Administration must set priorities for violence as a
public health issue in terms of funding, programming, staff development, and worker
safety.
Expand role of HSD committee to recommend violence prevention actions to Board of
Supervisors, including those that involve state legislation.
Use existing linkages with colleges and universities to help integrate violence
prevention training into all areas of professional practice.
Recommendation 25: Encourage government, school district and city councils to enhance
local programmatic efforts by advocating statewide and national changes in policy.
Review all relevant statewide and national violence prevention legislation, and provide
updates to all local officials and interested community members.
Urge elected officials to review and take positions on relevant violence prevention
legislation.
Analyze policy related to media, firearms, educational issues, and similar issues in
which local efforts are pre-empted or significantly controlled by state or national
regulation.
NEXT STEPS
Initiate a county wide task force to review Framework for Action to determine priorities, and
set immediate and long-term implementation steps. This process should involve young
people, community groups and individuals, violence prevention practitioners, religious and
business representatives, and elected and appointed officials.
Develop and implement an aggressive funding plan to support programmatic
recommendations.
Initiate broad training program to assist key groups involved in implementation to heighten
17
violence prevention skills
Map existing violence prevention efforts throughout the county.
Identify roles, duties and resources of those involved in leadership and implementation of
Framework for Action. Existing collaborative efforts should provide the underpinning for
implementation. Specify mechanisms whereby individuals can become further involved in
community efforts.
Plan, develop, and advocate for an anti-violence legislative agenda.
Assess progress on an annual basis. Recommendations must incorporate measures of success
to monitor progress, assess direction and ensure that violence prevention is maintained as a
key item on the public agenda throughout the county and state.
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References
1. U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee 1990.
2. U.S. Judiciary Committee 1990.
3. Health Education Reports 1993.
4. Miller, T.R. Cohen, M.A., (Forthcoming). Costs of Penetrating Injury. Submitted
for publication in Ivatury, R. and Cayten, E.G. ed., Textbook of Penetrating Trauma,
Philadelphia: Lee and Civiga. [CSN fact sheet: The Financial Costs of Gun Violence]
5. Business Week December 13, 1993.
6. Prothrow-Stith 1991
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SYNOPSIS FOR VOTERS PAMPHLET:
Support of this advisory measure is an endorsement of "Preventing Violence In Contra Costa
County: A Countywide Action Plan." The Countywide Action Plan is a blueprint for
coordinating and expanding existing violence prevention activities involving communities and
city, county and school jurisdictions.
The Action Plan contains 25 recommendations for reducing and preventing violence in
Contra Costa County. These recommendations deal with six themes: Safe Homes, Safe
Schools, Safe Neighborhoods, Safe Workplaces, Government Service, and Policy Initiatives.
Our nation currently spends an estimated $13.5 billion annually for medical care for the
victims of violence. The average cost of treating a child wounded by gun fire would provide
a student with a year of college education.
Violence is a learned behavior and therefore preventable. The Countywide Action Plan is
formulated with the premise that a solution requires attention not just to the outcomes of
violent injury, but to the symptoms and, ultimately, to the prevention of violence. Because
violence is a complex issue, the Action Plan recommends the systematic integration of
community, private, and public entities in the development of solutions.
This blueprint recommends a broad array of alternatives, including: Youth mentorships and
jobs; Conflict resolution; Crisis response counseling to victims and witnesses of violence;
Training health care providers to deal more effectively with domestic violence; and
Expanding educational, recreational and cultural alternatives to violence.
For more than ten years, community agencies and government departments have been
coordinating a variety of violence prevention efforts. Many efforts by community-based
programs predate the county government's role in violence prevention. A vote for the Action
Plan endorses increased awareness, concern, commitment, and the involvement of the entire
Contra Costa County population so that a significant reduction in violence will be achieved,
Support of this ballot measure indicates the priority Contra Costa County places on pursuing
programmatic initiatives and funding plans to prevent violence.
For a complete copy of "Preventing Violence In Contra Costa County: A Countywide Action
Plan" contact the Contra Costa County Registrar of Voters.
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