VSI: 406 - Violence Scene Investigators - We are developing an innovative approach to teaching middle school and high school teens about domestic violence and anger management. Domestic violence is an epidemic in our country and is passed on from generation to generation. Violence and anger are growing in our population and extending to younger and younger age groups. The purpose of VSI: 406 is to teach youth awareness of anger and violence and give them tools to manage their own reactivity before they become violent. We believe this approach is preferable to teaching anger management skills after conviction for violent behavior. We also believe it will help break the intergenerational pattern of family violence.
VSI: 406 is unique in that it is presented as "Violence Scene Investigations" where each student gets to investigate a real-life violence situation through reading or audio stories, profile the participants, assess their motives and behaviors, and learn about the cultural, psychological, neurochemical, and physical aspects of violent behavior. They will develop tools to recognize and manage violent behavior in themselves and others. They will be encouraged to develop nonviolent, compassionate, and hopeful pathways for their own lives.
A 16-week curriculum will be developed based on the book Raised on Fear. Each week a portion of the audio book will be played and activities will be presented for the students to investigate a different aspect of anger and violence. Writing skills will be incorporated into each lesson. The curriculum will be developed with the flexibility to incorporate additional relevant material according to the individual teacher's interests and expertise. It will be presented within a framework which will allow teachers to expand the program to other books in subsequent years, if desired. The goal is to teach teens valuable life skills within the context of a strong academic program and a stimulating participatory environment.
To our knowledge, nothing of this kind is presently available to youth.
