POLICE ASSOCIATION OF NOVA SCOTIA 117 The range of behaviours included in definitions of youth violence makes it difficult to develop a clear definitional picture of what is going on across the country. Some behaviours are covered under existing legislation. while others are not. For example. while harassment by a schoolyard bully may be threatening to victims, this behaviour is less likely to result in criminal charges, and therefore more invisible in official crime statistics. For the purpose of this manual, while violence perpetrated by individuals is important, the primary emphasis is on collective, or group-based violence. 2.1 What is the Nature of Youth Violence Many recent patterns and trends have emerged in both individual and collective youth violence. For example, youth violence is often more "vicious" today than it was in the past. Also, an increasing number of young people carry weapons for protection. Much youth violence is becoming more intense, and in some cases serious harm is being inflicted. Incidents often escalate very quickly, and to a serious level. There appear to be few limits or constraints in the use of violence by some young people. These individuals seem to ignore socially understood rules about harming others. Some young people do not define certain types of aggressive behaviour as violence. For example, "sexing" - a form of sexual harassment that can include both verbal and physical intimidation - is not often considered violence. Dating violence is also commonly not defined as violence, many young people accept it as a normal part of dating relationships. This reflects a greater tolerance for violence for some young people. 2.2 Hate/Bias-Motivated Crime Many communities have experienced an increase in hate/biasmotivated crimes. These types of crime occur when individuals are harassed or assaulted because of their individual characteristics, ethnic or racial affiliations, membership in various religious groups, or sexual preference. Victims of hate/bias-motivated crime are often reluctant to come forward fearing further victimization. Schools, police organizations, community agencies and others have initiated programs to teach people about different cultures races and lifestyles, in an effort to increase tolerance and sensitivity for others. Most agree that educating people and changing attitudes alone is not enough. A more comprehensive response to this type of violence is needed. 2.3 School Violence School-based violence is another area of growing concern. Unlike the patterns and trends discussed above, school-violence issues focus more on the place in which this behaviour occurs than on its nature or characteristics. Definitions of school violence range from verbal threats to harassment and intimidation to physical assault. In some instances, weapons are used to threaten or harm others. School violence, however, varies from school to school and from city to city. There are several emerging patterns, trends and perceptions that characterize school violence. Most are consistent with the general youth-violence trends noted in the FCM project. For example, perpetrators are often younger, and violence is becoming more prevalent in elementary schools. There has been an increase in acts of random violence in schools. Further, the number of students bringing weapons - mainly knives - to school is increasing. The traditional "one-on-one" assault has often been replaced with group attacks on individual students. The attacks can be more vicious and drawn out. There seems to be a pattern of perpetrators continuing to attack their victims over a long period of time. This pattern suggests an increase in the presence of informal gangs. While not necessarily engaging in violent or criminal activity, these gangs often intimidate other students. Many school boards are developing specific "safe school" policies and procedures. In addition, considerable research is being conducted to determine the extent of school violence, and to develop appropriate response strategies. 2.4 Young Women And Violence Reports also suggest that young women are increasingly involved in cases of intimidation and assault. Whether this pattern is accurate or a reflection of changing reporting patterns is not yet clear and warrants further investigation. Historically, crime statistics have shown that men and not women have been the perpetrators of violence. Women's use of violence was assumed to be related to self defence or lashing out in anger. Such activities were viewed as private matters and were rarely included in official statistics A number of patterns and trends regarding the use of violence by young women have emerged. For example, charging patterns reveal an increase in the number of charges for violent crimes being laid against young women. As well, a greater percentage increase has been noted in charging rates for young women compared with young men. While charging rates for both are rising, they are rising faster for young women. A key concern in understanding women's use of violence is appreciating contextual and motivational factors. For example, it is not clear whether perceptions about young women's use of violence may be the result of an expanded social role for women. For example, women are spending more time in public places rendering their violence more visible. Women may also be more willing to use violence in self-defence now than they were in the past. 3.0 THE NATURE OF COLLECTIVE YOUTH VIOLENCE IN CANADA During the past decade, there has been growing concern about youth gangs forming in several Canadian cities. These gangs have been responsible for a spate of sensational violent crimes. This has led to public demands for stiffer penalties and greater protection of the public. However, little Canadian research is continued...
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