HARRISBURG, July 5 – State Rep. Ron Waters, D-Delaware/Phila., said the Health Committee of the House of Representatives unanimously approved his resolution, H.R. 659, addressing youth violence in Pennsylvania.
The measure declares youth violence as a public health epidemic and seeks to raise awareness of the impact trauma related to violence has on a child's quality of life.
"Young people across this state are committing acts of violence against each other and against their communities," Waters said. "Youth violence leaves physical and emotional scars that last a lifetime."
According to a survey by the Centers of Disease Control, about 1.5 million incidents of violence were reported to be committed by those between the ages of 12 and 20.
"Violence erodes communities," said Waters. "It reduces productivity, decreases property values and disrupts social services."
Waters added that in 1985 and 2000, two former U.S. surgeon generals each declared youth violence a public health issue and called for prevention, intervention and public education programs.
"This issue has never gone away. We need to confront youth violence systematically," said Waters. "The peak ages of offending are from 15 to 18, so we need to reach these young people in their early and formative years.
"The impact of trauma brought about by violence has a ripple effect on a young person's academic performance, personal relationships and their role in society. School-based violence prevention programs are where we need to be focusing our efforts as a means to stopping this epidemic."
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