Violence As A Social Justice Issue Discussion Question

Violence As A Social Justice Issue Discussiondiscussion Question 250

Consider research evidence on the efficacy of interventions in criminal behaviors and efforts for preventing crime. How do authors of this unit's readings typify crime and violence as social justice issues? What interventions are used to work with people involved in the legal system (provide one for perpetrators, one for victims) and how well do they appear to work? Use the Capella Library and read the following: Golembeski, and Fullilove's 2008 article, " Criminal (In)Justice in the City and Its Associated Health Consequences ." Kress, Protivnak, and Sadlak's 2008 article, " Counseling Clients Involved With Violent Intimate Partners: The Mental Health Counselor's Role in Promoting Client Safety ." Liedka, Piehl, and Useem's 2006 article, " The Crime-Control Effect of Incarceration: Does Scale Matter? "

Paper For Above instruction

Crime and violence are increasingly recognized as social justice issues that reflect underlying societal inequalities and systemic injustices. The authors of the assigned readings emphasize that crime is not just a matter of individual pathology but intertwined with social determinants such as poverty, racial inequality, and inadequate access to healthcare and social services. Golembeski and Fullilove (2008) explore how urban environments, particularly socioeconomically disadvantaged areas, foster conditions conducive to violence and thus address the importance of transforming urban spaces as a means to promote social justice. Their work highlights that violence in marginalized communities is often a consequence of structural inequalities, which necessitates systemic interventions rather than solely punitive measures.

Kress, Protivnak, and Sadlak (2008) focus on intimate partner violence, emphasizing the role of mental health professionals in promoting safety and recovery for victims, as well as behavioral change for perpetrators. They argue that intervention strategies like counseling and therapy, addressing perpetrators' underlying mental health issues, can be effective in reducing recurrent violence. These interventions recognize the importance of restoring dignity and safety to victims while promoting accountability among perpetrators, reflecting a social justice perspective that seeks equitable treatment and healing processes.

Liedka, Piehl, and Useem (2006) contribute to the discussion by analyzing the impact of incarceration on crime control, questioning whether the scale of incarceration effectively reduces crime or perpetuates social disparities. Their findings suggest that incarceration alone may have limited effects on crime reduction and can exacerbate social inequalities, particularly among marginalized populations. This analysis underscores the need for alternative, community-based interventions that address root causes rather than solely relying on punitive incarceration.

In terms of interventions, one for perpetrators could be cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) tailored for violent offenders, which aims to alter thought patterns associated with violence. For victims, a protective intervention might involve community-based victim advocate programs that provide emotional support and legal guidance. Evidence suggests that CBT can be effective in reducing recidivism among violent offenders by promoting behavioral change, while victim advocacy programs significantly enhance victims' safety and reintegration into society. Overall, these interventions depict a nuanced understanding of violence as a social justice issue, emphasizing systemic change, accountability, and holistic support to address underlying social inequalities and promote societal healing.

References

• Golembeski, C., & Fullilove, M. T. (2008). Criminal (In)Justice in the City and Its Associated Health Consequences. Journal of Urban Health, 85(3), 361-373.
• Kress, V. E., Protivnak, J., & Sadlak, J. (2008). Counseling Clients Involved With Violent Intimate Partners: The Mental Health Counselor's Role in Promoting Client Safety. Journal of Counseling & Development, 86(4), 472-478.
• Liedka, R., Piehl, D., & Useem, B. (2006). The Crime-Control Effect of Incarceration: Does Scale Matter? American Journal of Sociology, 112(1), 187-210.
• Shaw, C., & McKay, H. D. (1942). Juvenile Delinquency and Urban Areas. University of Chicago Press.
• Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 32(1), 20-47.
• Visher, C. A., & Travis, J. (2011). Life After Lockup: Improving Reentry from Jail to the Community. The Perspectives of Criminal Justice, 6(2), 121-142.
• Bourgois, P. (2003). In Search of Respect: Selling Crack in El Barrio. Cambridge University Press.
• Western, B. (2006). Punishment and Inequality in America. Russell Sage Foundation.
• Clear, T. R. (2007). Imprisoning Communities: How Mass Incarceration Makes Disadvantaged Neighborhoods Worse. Oxford University Press.
• Brunson, R. K., & Miller, J. (2006). Gender differences in the perceptions of police misconduct. Criminology & Public Policy, 5(3), 607-634.