Definitions

=Definitions: =

UCF needs an official consistent definition in order to:

 * ====monitor the incidence of violence ====
 * ====examine trends over time ====
 * ====help researchers uniformly measure risk and protective factors for victimization and perpetration ====

** Youth Violence **
====Interpersonal violence is defined as "the intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual, against another person or against a group or community that results in or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, maldevelopment, or deprivation" (Dahlberg and Krug 2002). Research and programs addressing youth violence typically include persons between the ages of 10 and 24, although patterns of youth violence can begin in early childhood. ====

====This definition associates intent with committing the act-no matter the outcome. In other words, intent to use force does not necessarily mean intent to cause damage. Indeed, there may be a considerable disparity between intended behavior and intended consequence. A perpetrator may commit a seemingly dangerous act that will likely result in adverse health effects, but the perpetrator may not perceive it as such. For example, a youth may get in a physical fight with another youth. The use of a fist against the head or the use of a weapon in the dispute certainly increases the risk of serious injury or death, though neither outcome may be intended. ====

====Other aspects of violence are implied in this definition. For example, it includes all acts of violence, whether public or private, reactive (in response to previous events such as provocation), proactive (instrumental for or anticipating more self-serving outcomes), or criminal or noncriminal. Each of these aspects is important to understanding the causes of violence and in designing prevention programs. ====

** Sexual Violence **
====Sexual violence (SV) is any sexual act that is perpetrated against someone's will. SV encompasses a range of offenses, including a completed nonconsensual sex act (i.e., rape), an attempted nonconsensual sex act, abusive sexual contact (i.e., unwanted touching), and non-contact sexual abuse (e.g., threatened sexual violence, exhibitionism, verbal sexual harassment). These four types are defined in more detail below. All types involve victims who do not consent, or who are unable to consent or refuse to allow the act. ====
 * ====** A completed sex act ** is defined as contact between the penis and the vulva or the penis and the anus involving penetration, however slight; contact between the mouth and penis, vulva, or anus; or penetration of the anal or genital opening of another person by a hand, finger, or other object. ====
 * ====** An attempted (but not completed) sex act ** ====
 * ====** Abusive sexual contact ** is defined as intentional touching, either directly or through the clothing, of the genitalia, anus, groin, breast, inner thigh, or buttocks of any person without his or her consent, or of a person who is unable to consent or refuse. ====
 * ====** Non-contact sexual abuse ** does not include physical contact of a sexual nature between the perpetrator and the victim. It includes acts such as voyeurism; intentional exposure of an individual to exhibitionism; unwanted exposure to pornography; verbal or behavioral sexual harassment; threats of sexual violence to accomplish some other end; or taking nude photographs of a sexual nature of another person without his or her consent or knowledge, or of a person who is unable to consent or refuse. ====

** Bullying **
====<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12pt;">Bullying is a form of youth violence and can result in physical injury, social and emotional distress, and even death. Victimized youth are at increased risk for mental health problems such as depression and anxiety, psychosomatic complaints such as headaches, and poor school adjustment. Youth who bully others are at increased risk for substance use, academic problems, and violence later in adolescence and adulthood. The ultimate goal is to stop bullying before it starts. ==== ====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Young people are using media technology, including cell phones, personal data assistants, and the Internet, to communicate with others in the United States and throughout the world. Communication avenues, such as text messaging, chat rooms, and social networking websites (e.g., MySpace and Facebook), have allowed youth to easily develop relationships, some with people they have never met in person. ==== ====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Media technology has many potential benefits for youth. It allows young people to communicate with family and friends on a regular basis. This technology also provides opportunities to make rewarding social connections for those teens and pre-teens who have difficulty developing friendships in traditional social settings or because of limited contact with same-aged peers. In addition, regular Internet access allows young people to quickly increase their knowledge on a wide variety of topics. ==== ====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">However, the explosion in communication tools and avenues does not come without possible risks. Youth can use electronic media to embarrass, harass or threaten their peers. Increasing numbers of teens and pre-teens are becoming victims of this new form of violence. Although many different terms-such as cyberbullying, Internet harassment, and Internet bullying-have been used to describe this type of violence, electronic aggression is the term that most accurately captures all types of violence that occur electronically. Like traditional forms of youth violence, electronic aggression is associated with emotional distress and conduct problems at school. In fact, recent research suggests that youth who are victimized electronically are also very likely to also be victimized off-line (i.e., sexually harassed, psychological or emotional abuse by a caregiver, witnessing an assault with a weapon, and being raped). ==== ====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) convened a panel of experts to discuss issues related to the emerging public health problem of electronic aggression. The panel included representatives from research universities, public school systems, federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations. A special issue of the Journal of Adolescent Health summarizes the data and recommendations from this expert panel meeting. ====

**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12pt;">References **
====<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Basile KC, Saltzman LE. Sexual violence surveillance: uniform definitions and recommended data elements version 1.0. Atlanta: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control; 2002. ==== ====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Dahlberg LL, Krug EG. Violence: a global public health problem. In: Krug EG, Dahlberg LL, Mercy JA, Zwi AB, Lozano R, editors. World report on violence and health. Geneva (Switzerland): World Health Organization; 2002. p. 1-21. ====

====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Youth who are threatened with or experience physical violence, or who are injured by peers report more suicidal thoughts and behavior than non-victimized youth, according to a study released in the July 19th online edition of the Journal of Pediatrics. Conducted by scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the study documents a significant connection between this type of peer victimization and youth suicide. ==== ====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Scientists measured physical violence by peers, a form a peer victimization that can occur during bullying and other incidents, and the relationship to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Findings show that youth threatened or injured by a peer were 2.4 times more likely to report suicidal thoughts, and 3.3 times more likely to report suicidal behavior than non-victimized peers. ==== ====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Youth suicide is a serious problem that can have lasting harmful effects on individuals, families, and communities. Investing in programs and policies that reduce peer victimization experiences in schools might have farther-reaching effects on suicidal behavior. ====


 * Penn State**
 * University Libraries Civility Statement and Guidelines**

Within the University Libraries, civility comprises a conscious demonstration of mutual respect – for people, for their roles, for their knowledge and expertise. Civility requires cooperation, tolerance, acceptance, inclusiveness, kindness, courtesy, and patience. It is expressed not only in the words we choose, but in our tone, demeanor, and actions. All members of the University Libraries community are responsible for and expected to exemplify and promote civility.

The University Libraries is committed to creating and maintaining a positive [|learning] and working environment. While it is understood that disagreement will, and should, occur in a collegiate setting, open communication, intellectual integrity, mutual respect for differing viewpoints, freedom from unnecessary disruption, and a climate of civility are important values that we embrace.

Examples of civility include: Respect and courtesy in language, demeanor, and actions Respectful acknowledgement of individual differences Empathy and patience Refraining from insulting, disrespectful, dismissive, or humiliating language and/or actions All employees deserve to be treated with dignity and respect at their place of work. They deserve to work in an environment free from incivility, harassment, or bullying. Actions must be evaluated not only in light of what the actor intended, but also by what the recipient felt, i.e., impact as well as intent is important. The University Libraries management is ultimately responsible for creating a positive work climate, and will [|deal] with civility concerns in a timely manner. If you believe you have been treated inappropriately, click [|here for suggestions of what you can do].

Guidelines

What to do about Uncivil Treatment: Each University Libraries employee and community member is expected to treat others with civility and respect. If you feel that you have been treated in a manner that is inconsistent with these expectations, you have several options: Approach the other person and share your feelings about what happened. Think about this: What would you want a coworker to do if they were offended by something you said or did? Often making the other person aware of how his conduct affected you is sufficient. Few people are deliberately hurtful. Discuss the matter with your supervisor. Your supervisor may be able to advise you, make suggestions, or if necessary, intervene. If you feel you cannot discuss it with your immediate supervisor, it may be appropriate to escalate your concern through your management chain. Consult Libraries [|Human Resources]. LHR can provide advice and help facilitate a solution. If you are a faculty member, speak to your Ombudsperson. For staff, Libraries HR fulfills the role of Ombudsperson. If your concern can’t be resolved within the Libraries, you can contact the Employee Relations Division of the University’s Office of Human Resources for help. Any indication of retaliation for concerns about civil and respectful treatment that are raised in good faith will not be tolerated and will be investigated by the Libraries Administration.

[]

Southern Connecticut State University

<span style="color: #4a515b; font-family: verdana,Arial,geneva,tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> <span style="color: #4a515b; font-family: verdana,Arial,geneva,tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">**AGGRAVATED ASSAULT:** Aggravated assault is an unlawful attack by one person upon another for the purpose of inflicting severe or aggravated bodily injury. This type of assault is usually accompanied by the use of a weapon or by means likely to produce death or great bodily harm. Attempts are included since it is not inevitable that an injury result when a gun, knife, or other weapon is used, although serious personal injury could result if the crime were successfully completed. <span style="color: #4a515b; font-family: verdana,Arial,geneva,tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">**ALCOHOL VIOLATIONS:** An alcohol violation is the possession, use, or distribution of alcoholic beverages in violation of the laws of the state of Connecticut and /or the policies of Southern Connecticut State University. <span style="color: #4a515b; font-family: verdana,Arial,geneva,tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">**BURGLARY:** The Uniform Crime Reporting Program defines burglary as the unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or a theft. The use of force to gain entry is not required to classify an offense as burglary. Burglary in this program is categorized into three sub-classifications: forcible entry, unlawful entry where no force is used, and attempted forcible entry. <span style="color: #4a515b; font-family: verdana,Arial,geneva,tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">**DRUG VIOLATIONS:** A drug violation is the unprescribed use, possession, sale, purchase, or distribution of any controlled substance, to include but not limited to marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, heroine, hallucinogens, barbiturates, and paraphernalia in violation of the laws of the state of Connecticut. <span style="color: #4a515b; font-family: verdana,Arial,geneva,tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">**FELONY:** An offense for which a person may be sentenced to a term of imprisonment in excess of one year (CGS Sec 53a-25) <span style="color: #4a515b; font-family: verdana,Arial,geneva,tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">**FORCIBLE RAPE:** Forcible rape, as defined in the Uniform Crime Reporting Program, is the carnal knowledge of a female forcibly and against her will. Assaults or attempts to commit rape by force or threat of force are also included; however, statutory rape (without force) and other sex offenses are excluded. <span style="color: #4a515b; font-family: verdana,Arial,geneva,tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">**JURISDICTION:** The offenses reported are only those occurring within the geographical limits of the campus of Southern Connecticut State University and /or property under the control of Southern Connecticut State University. <span style="color: #4a515b; font-family: verdana,Arial,geneva,tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">**LARCENY-THEFT:** Larceny-theft is the unlawful taking, carrying, leading, or riding away of property from the possession or constructive possession of another. It includes crimes such as shoplifting, pocket-picking, purse-snatching, thefts from motor vehicles, thefts of motor vehicle parts and accessories, bicycle thefts, etc., in which no use of force, violence, or fraud occurs. In the Uniform Crime Reporting Program, this crime category does not include embezzlement, "con" games, forgery, and worthless checks. Motor vehicle theft is also excluded from this category inasmuch as it is a separate Crime Index offense. <span style="color: #4a515b; font-family: verdana,Arial,geneva,tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">**MISDEMEANOR:** An offense for which a person may be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not more than a year (CGS Sec 53a-26) <span style="color: #4a515b; font-family: verdana,Arial,geneva,tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">**MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT:** Defined as the theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle, this offense category includes the stealing of automobiles, trucks, buses, motorcycles, motor scooters, snowmobiles, etc. The definition excludes the taking of a motor vehicle for temporary use by those persons having lawful access. <span style="color: #4a515b; font-family: verdana,Arial,geneva,tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">**MURDER:** Murder and non-negligent manslaughter, as defined in the Uniform Crime Reporting program, is the willful (non-negligent) killing of one human being by another. The classification of this offense, as for all other Crime Index offenses, is based solely on police investigation as opposed to the determination of a court, medical examiner, coroner, jury, or other judicial body. Not included in the count for this offense classification are deaths caused by negligence; suicide or accident; justifiable homicides; and attempts to murder or assaults to murder, which are scored as aggravated assaults. <span style="color: #4a515b; font-family: verdana,Arial,geneva,tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">**ROBBERY:** Robbery is the taking or attempting to take anything of value from the care, custody, or control of a person or persons by force or threat of force or violence and /or putting the victim in fear. <span style="color: #4a515b; font-family: verdana,Arial,geneva,tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">**SEXUAL ASSAULTS** (other than forcible rape): Sexual assault (other than forcible rape C.G.S 3a-70, 53a-70b) includes but is not limited to statutory rape (C.G.S 53a-71) and any other unwanted sexual contact. <span style="color: #4a515b; font-family: verdana,Arial,geneva,tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">**WEAPONS VIOLATION:** A weapons violation is the possession, use, sale, purchase, or transfer of any weapon, including but not limited to firearms, electronic defense weapons, edged weapons, martial arts weapons, in violation of the laws of the state of Connecticut and/or policies of Southern Connecticut State University. || http://www.southernct.edu/universitypolice/policeservices/definitions/
 * = DEFINITIONS =