Community Voice Report
Health Disparities and Community Grant Program
July 2023
Embedded Files
“Homicide is the leading cause of death for African-American youth, the second leading cause of death for Hispanic youth, the third leading cause of death for American Indian/Alaska Native youth, and the fourth leading cause of death among White and Asian/Pacific Islander youth.”
Summary
Summary
Denver Metro Community Impact (DMCI), in partnership with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) through the Health Disparities and Community Grant Program, to build partnerships to mobilize community power and transform systems to advance health equity. To do this, DMCI utilized its Community Impact Workflow to convert Community Voice engagement to Action, speaking about the impact of violence with over 200 youth in Northeast Denver. The following report summarizes dialogue with the youth that can lead to action to improve Social Support and Community Safety.
Engagement Demographics
Engagement Demographics
An optional anonymous demographic survey was administered, of which only 19/203 youth opted to provide answers. DMCI will work harder in the future to explain the importance of answering the survey for the purpose of data tracking. The graphs below show the demographics of the youth that answered the survey.
The Impact of Violence
The Impact of Violence
Violence can have a significant impact on youth, both in the short term and the long term. Here are some ways that violence has impacted the Northeast Denver Youth that were engaged over the summer:
Physical Harm
Physical Harm
Youth who experience violence can be physically harmed, which can lead to injuries, disabilities, and even death.
Emotional Trauma
Emotional Trauma
Violence can cause emotional trauma and psychological distress in youth, which can result in symptoms such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health issues.
Disrupted Education
Disrupted Education
Violence can disrupt a youth's education by causing absences, affecting academic performance, and making it difficult for them to concentrate and learn.
Social Isolation
Social Isolation
Youth who experience violence may feel isolated and disconnected from their peers, adults, and society, which can impact their social and emotional development.
Increased Risk-taking Behaviors
Increased Risk-taking Behaviors
Youth who experience violence may engage in risk-taking behaviors, such as substance abuse, gang involvement, and criminal behavior, which can have long-term negative consequences.
Normalization of Violence
Normalization of Violence
Youth who are exposed to violence may come to view it as a normal part of their environment, which can lead to an acceptance of violence as a means of resolving conflict.
Racism as Violence
Racism as Violence
Racism, oppression, and discrimination can be considered a type of violence because they can cause harm and have long-lasting effects on individuals and communities, which is reflected in how other forms of violence show up in community. It is important to note that the impact of violence on youth can vary depending on the type and severity of the violence, as well as the youth's individual characteristics and experiences. Addressing violence and its impact on youth requires a comprehensive approach that involves multiple stakeholders, including government, law enforcement, educators, healthcare providers, and communities.
Defining Violence
Defining Violence
Violence can have a significant impact on the lives of youth, but it is important to understand that the definition of violence can vary depending on individual experiences and cultural perspectives. For many of the youth, violence is not limited to physical harm, but can also include emotional, psychological, and social harm. The youth define violence as any behavior that causes harm or threatens their safety, including bullying, harassment, and discrimination. It is essential to take into account how youth define violence and their perspectives on the issue when developing strategies to prevent and address violence. The following are excerpts on how the youth, themselves, define violence.
“When I think of violence, I think of physical harm. And then after I get to thinking about it for a little bit longer, violence is used through words or used [through] other actions that doesn't necessarily have to physically affect you."
Quotations Defining Violence
Quotations Defining Violence
“ I define it [as] a way to be aggressive and harm somebody emotionally or physically or mentally.”
“So obviously physical violence, but it's also… people's words. I feel like words hurt a lot more because they stay in a person's mind forever…you could never make words go away…that is the type of abuse like physical, emotionally, mentally…all of those are signs of abuse that just really linger forever.”
“When I think of violence, I think of physical harm. And then after I get to thinking about it for a little bit longer, violence is used through words or used [through] other actions that doesn't necessarily have to physically affect you. So in some neighborhoods, there's gun and liquor stores on each block. I think that is a form of violence [and] is coming from systems. But that's what I think about when I think of violence.”
“How I define violence is more of a mentality thing because although it can be physical, most of it is mental, like the aftermath that comes after the action that was already caused and how much it could hurt other people.”
Experiencing Violence
Experiencing Violence
Youth experience violence in a multitude of ways. Youth that participated in the dialogue circles shared that they witnessed violence through social media, at school, in their homes or homes of family and friends, video games, movies, and other modes of media. There were 153 mentions of seeing violence, with social media being the top source of violence. 50 youth shared their personal experience witnessing violence, 23 shared their stories of being a victim of violence, and some youth shared their experience committing acts of violence.
“I see violence everywhere. It doesn't matter what kind of psychological, physical or mental violence. I see it everywhere.”
Quotations of Experiencing Violence
Quotations of Experiencing Violence
Social Media - 56 Quotes
“Like when something first happens, the first thing we do, like we were talking about the phones, we pull out our phones, whether it's a fight, whether it's guns happening or something like we're not. I know some people are, but like majority of people they're not worried about, oh, if they're going to make it home that night, their worries are let me get this on camera so everybody else can see it, you know, so I think that plays a big part in this generation because it happens a lot, like we see everything on social media.”
“One of my friends was into gang violence. He would say stuff on the internet and that's what got him killed.”
Personal Experience (witness) - 50 Quotes
“I see violence everywhere. It doesn't matter what kind of psychological, physical or mental violence. I see it everywhere.”
“I've seen violence just in the streets, at home and in schools.”
“I witnessed violence around my community at a young age, so I can't really pinpoint a specific duration of time when I noticed it. But I mean, it's an ongoing thing, so it hasn't really stopped to this day.”
“I've been…physically abused by my biological father and I've seen my stepfather abuse my mom daily… And it was just really painful to watch because I was always there….”
In the chart above, quotations that were categorized as experiencing violence as a victim of it deserve to be broken down further. Youths that reflected on the times that they have been victims of violence talked mostly about experiencing racism and oppression, followed by physical violence and social media bullying. The chart below and the quotations show how youth shared their experiences.
Quotations of Experience as a Victim of Violence
Quotations of Experience as a Victim of Violence
Racism/Oppression - 58 Quotations
“[W]e do live in a system of violence and I have definitely experienced gang violence, police brutality. There's colonial violence as well. When we look at the missing and murdered indigenous women and to spirit epidemic. That is continued violence even within health care. If we look at the disparities with how black, indigenous and brown women are dying during childbirth at higher rates due to the hospitals in these systems being racist or having certain tendencies that put them at risk. That is also violence that I don't think we see a lot. But I've also seen definitely violence ensue due to addiction and substance use. That's definitely something I've seen a lot in the community and on the street and it's very prevalent, I think, in a lot of parts of Denver that are lower income areas. Even right outside this building, I've seen violence happen because of people struggling. And there's a good quote. It's hurt people, hurt people. So I feel like that definitely has has a lot to do with the violence we see and also like healed people, heal people. So maybe that can be a way we can help solve some of these issues.”
“We was at the pool and there's this little white kid was playing volleyball. He was like, "Pass me the ball, you black b-word."
“One of my friends when I was walking up yesterday, I walked up and he said, "What's up my N-word?" And I just kind of thought it was a joke because he didn't actually say it. Then when I got home, I kind of thought about it more that I didn't know really how to feel. I don't really feel anything.”
Physical - 13 Quotations
“Somebody has pointed a gun at me before.”
“I think the biggest thing that happened was sexually assaulting. So, like, it wasn't just people beating each other up. It was like girls getting touched. So that happened a lot like to me and to so many other girls. And it was just like normal at that school”
“I've been…physically abused by my biological father and I've seen my stepfather abuse my mom daily… And it was just really painful to watch because I was always there….”
“Now at parties many young people bring pistols and take out any little thing and begin to swing up to the wall, up to the street, which is not like directly at someone, but you never know like a loose bullet or something like that.”
Social Media - 8 Quotations
“One of my friends, was into gang violence. He would say stuff on the internet and that's what got him killed.”
Causes & Effects of Violence
Causes & Effects of Violence
Causes
Causes
It is important to address the underlying factors that contribute to youth engaging in violent behaviors rather than simply punishing or stigmatizing youth who exhibit violent behavior. Prevention efforts should focus on promoting positive youth development, building strong support systems, and addressing the root causes of violence.
Causes of Violence:
Exposure to violence: Youth who grow up in environments where violence is normalized or who have experienced violence themselves may be more likely to engage in violent behaviors.
Poverty and socioeconomic factors: Youth living in poverty or facing economic hardship may have limited access to resources and opportunities, which can increase their risk of engaging in violent behaviors.
Mental health issues: Youth who struggle with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be more likely to engage in violent behaviors.
Substance abuse: Substance abuse can increase the risk of engaging in violent behaviors, particularly in cases where drugs or alcohol are used to cope with trauma or stress.
Peer pressure and social influence: Youth may engage in violent behaviors in order to fit in with a peer group or to gain social status and recognition.
Lack of positive role models: Youth who lack positive role models or supportive adult figures may struggle to develop healthy coping strategies and may be more likely to engage in violent behaviors.
Quotations of Causes of Violence
Quotations of Causes of Violence
"Usually starts with petty arguments, and then leads to harassment / bullying, exclusion, and then leads to physical altercations. Media plays a vital role and big hand in this."
Effects
Effects
There are many outlets that young people may use to cope with the impact of violence on their lives. Sports, music, and art are all examples of positive coping mechanisms that can help youth process their emotions and experiences. Engaging in physical activities like sports can help release stress and tension, while music and art can provide a creative outlet for expression and communication. Therapy and counseling are also important resources that can help youth work through the trauma and emotions associated with violence and develop healthy coping strategies. However, it is also important to recognize that some young people may turn to negative coping mechanisms, such as drug use or other high-risk behaviors, as a way to cope with the impact of violence. These behaviors can be harmful and may further exacerbate the negative consequences of violence on youth. It is important for parents, caregivers, and communities to provide support and resources to help youth develop healthy coping strategies and prevent negative behaviors.
Effects of Violence:
Social Impact
Coping Mechanisms
“I guess the first thought that came to mind is that I think a lot of us have become more numb to it because it's so easy to see police brutality. More violent things that are happening in the world through social media. So, you know, shootings and stuff like that. It's really numbing at times. And I personally wouldn't say that it's made me or the people around me more violent, but it has at times made me more numb to violence.”
Quotations of Social Impact
Quotations of Social Impact
Social Media
“Like when something first happens, the first thing we do, like we were talking about the phones, we pull out our phones, whether it's a fight, whether it's guns happening or something like we're not. I know some people are, but like majority of people they're not worried about, oh, if they're going to make it home that night, their worries are let me get this on camera so everybody else can see it, you know, so I think that plays a big part in this generation because it happens a lot, like we see everything on social media.”
“... I think that social media creates an environment where it can perpetuate violence. And so even with the videos of George Floyd and all the other cases that we see, or even just people outside on the schoolyard. I feel like we're becoming numb to it somewhat as a culture because of it. We are desensitized.”
“I guess the first thought that came to mind is that I think a lot of us have become more numb to it because it's so easy to see police brutality. More violent things that are happening in the world through social media. So, you know, shootings and stuff like that. It's really numbing at times. And I personally wouldn't say that it's made me or the people around me more violent, but it has at times made me more numb to violence.”
“Especially for kids our age or younger, they're just like they're born with phones in their hands. So it's just like they're just feeding off of this and just, like, living their life as bad as thinking they're that their reality, like most kids just say, like, oh, this is my, like, my hero. That's who I look up to. But really, it's really affected them in a negative way, which is they want to be like that. So it's also affecting them as a negative way as well.”
“I definitely think too like the more prevalent violence is, it definitely tends to manifest and I think so many people watch the news so often and they get these ideas in their head about what violence looks like. So I definitely think that's a huge problem. And yeah with media and even video games how violent they are, I just think it normalizes it and it's also really dehumanizing to see especially acts of racial violence and police brutality plastered all over social media. Like in one way we need to raise awareness, but in another way, there's a certain line to where I don't think we should see people getting hurt and killed and be sharing that. It just feels wrong.”
Quotations of Coping Mechanims
Quotations of Coping Mechanims
Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Self Care
“I trust talking to my therapist.”
“I would say self expression, self development, self exploration, trying to figure out what you enjoy and what makes you happy. And therapeutic practices as well are a great coping mechanism, whether it's exercise, movement, dance or just getting in a river or soaking in some hot springs or getting a massage or whatever form of self care, taking a bath. There's so many different ways to cope with things that can be just a form of therapy. Like nature therapy, art therapy, just throwing some paint on a canvas. I mean, there's also a lot of unhealthy coping mechanisms that people go to.”
“I personally shut the whole world out. Shut it off! Shut the phone off. Like, and I just need to, like, be by myself, I guess more of, like, in figure. Just be able to think about everything. So whether that's going on a walk, whether that's sitting somewhere out in nature and just and out in nature, I mean, like a park, you know, just chilling. But I just have to shut the whole world out, like cut off the phone.”
"On the opposite spectrum, being somebody who's dealt with some abandonment issues with losing both of my parents at a young age. And then also just knowing my attachment styles from studying psychology, being anxious and avoidant. I think one thing that I've worked on for a long time that finally I feel safe alone. I'm good chillin in my bed or in my bathtub. Because I've always been somebody who wanted to be surrounded by love and wanted comfort and attention that I didn't really necessarily get in my upbringing. And so I've sought that out in relationships and friendships. And I can finally say for once in my life that I'm completely happy and safe, alone in my house. So it's a pretty cool feeling."
Art/Music
“I know, when I was in middle school, that was the first time I had heard of spoken word poetry. And anybody that knows me that that's my love, I love spoken word. But being exposed to that, you know, it really changed my life.”
“I would say music is my safe space.”
“I would just go in my room and listen to music because that's what calms me down.”
“I honestly don't think it's just people or artists that they can relate to [music]. I make music myself. But I think that some artists, you can look up to them and look at their actions or how they speak or how powerful they're in their selves. That it can make you want to be like that, even though it doesn't apply to your life. It can give you the power or the agency to try to strive to be like that. And I also think that some music can be a coping mechanism. But also, if you receive it in the wrong light, it can also put you down even more. Like if you broke up with your girlfriend and you go playing Usher and stuff like that, you're probably going to get more sad, you know? So just thinking about it like that, too.”
Sports
“For me, football is like just a distraction off of everything else that's going on in my life.
“Actually just play basketball for fun and to have more skill.”
“...I like to go sit at the park across the street from my house at night, just like it's quiet. There's no cars, there's nobody there, and it's just, like, peaceful. And I can just, you know, or I play, like, soccer by myself…”
Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms
Drug use
“So even if it didn't necessarily start off as a coping mechanism for some people that it eventually became a thing where it was and even the addiction part of the addiction was related to it being a coping mechanism for other pain that's going on in other parts of their lives. There's someone who I know that smokes a lot like 24/7…”
“I'm in eighth grade and at my school. It used to be very common. I'mma admit it. I've even tried it before... ”
“I guess when I was back in high school, I used to drink a lot to deal with a bunch of things. I used to smoke a lot of cigarettes, things like that. Now I've stopped drinking as heavily, so mainly the smoking.”
“What made me do it is because I was really mad. Well, I was, like, depressed at the time because my brother, he had gotten shot and after that my cousin had come over and then he had weed and he had a vape and I asked if I could try both of them and I did.”
“the death for the past year because my friend, my two friends, they died from getting killed in the shooting and stuff like that .. it's it's been a tough year, but, you know, and I don't smoke like that because I am an athlete. The only time I really smoked was like during those periods of time… but I didn't smoke…it was just puff bars because…weed just…hard to get rid of the smell because I think when I was like 11… I used to smoke a lot. Like a lot. So yeah.”
Isolation
"Personally, I don't talk to friends or family about it. Really? Because. I don't know, I just don't like bringing stuff up in the past. And when I talk to my mom about stuff like this, I just don't like to see her get sad and stuff. And plus, it's like when you're talking to your friends about that stuff, it's like it ruins the mood. Like, why are you bringing that up?"
Safety from Violence
Safety from Violence
Ensuring the safety of young people is essential to their physical and emotional well-being, as well as their ability to learn, grow, and thrive. Safety is a basic human need and is especially important during the formative years of childhood and adolescence. Safety can look different depending on the context but generally involves protection from harm, danger, or threat of violence. For youth, safety may include physical safety in their homes, neighborhoods, and schools, as well as emotional safety in their relationships and interactions with others. Providing a safe environment for youth is crucial to their healthy development and the well-being of our communities. The following is how the youth identify safety, how to provide safety, and who they find safety in.
“I think safety is where you can guarantee, at least in some sort of way that that I won't get hurt emotionally, physically or mentally. And it's a place that you can be yourself. And you don't have to change the way you look or change the way how you act just to get yourself out of a certain situation...Safe is kind of where, you know you won't get hurt.”
Quotations of Safety
Quotations of Safety
Need for good listening/communication - 209 Quotations
“I would just say being able to listen to what I have to say and not necessarily always giving me life advice, because sometimes that's not what I need. Sometimes I'm asking just for you to listen, or sometimes I'm just asking to rant.”
“Something I wish adults did better like at school, if you really need to talk to them, find a trusted adult. I wish they did, instead of saying they're busy or they're with someone else that is not like doing anything. They're not really doing anything and they're focusing on another kid that's really not needing help. Or like parents well, there's really nothing my parents could do better because they try a lot for me.”
“I think that I feel like adults should do better is kind of like what - said is to pay attention to their actions and how they're acting to see if they're sad or cause at my school, if someones sad they just [ask], if they need a timeout, they don't really talk to them. They just say, you could leave when you feel better come back. And I think talking about it helps me feel better, but when they don't talk, it just puts loads more on their chest.
“I do a whole bunch of chores and I clean the house every day, every night, and I get no sleep and then I just wished a parent would ask me, ‘are you okay? Do you need help with anything?’”
“What I would rather a parent say. When someone's crying or they're mad. I honestly don't like when they say, like, toughen up or just be quiet. Get over it. I would prefer if they say if they like try to help you and try to help you get over it instead of just saying get over it and then try to help you figure out the problem so it doesn't happen again.”
Need for people to trust- 125 Quotations
Trusted adults are important to youth as an outlet when they face various challenges, struggles and are able to keep conversations of their personal experiences between them.
“I may just need you to listen and not have something to say back. Because in certain situations or say, I come and tell you something, I may not need you to respond to what I said. I may just need you to hear me out and listen to what I have to say, because sometimes we need listening more than we need you to respond to it…”
Acceptance - 115 Quotations
The youth spoke to the need of acceptance and adaptation from adults in order to feel safe.
“I would say to listen more without intention to speak. Being more understanding and thoughtful. And then also understanding the different stages that we are in our life. And that even though you've been through this journey, you've walked this walk. Maybe we don't have the same walk or journey.”
“Family wise, I do not tell adults absolutely anything. They're judgmental and they'll tell every last person in the family. But if it's like a counselor at my school or something, you know, like they have like some type of jurisdictional jurisdiction. Like they can't tell certain stuff, but if it's like physically like going to harm you or something, they have to tell that. But I don't I don't have that type of stuff, so I don't even share that. But like if it's other stuff, just like stuff going on in my family, that's who I would tell because I'm not worried about them telling everybody in my family or judging, you know.”
“And the older generation, they grow up in a time where, like, you could not be different. Like you cannot like you cannot be yourself at all. Like you have to live up to the expectations, otherwise you're not accepted. And now it's still kind of the same, except people aren't living up to the expectations anymore and people are actually starting to show who they are. And like, like I said, like my side of the family, they just do not accept anything that I believe in. So I feel like the older generation really needs to start adapting because like the longer that they don't accept it, the more it's just going to become a huge thing, like people are going to be themselves no matter what. So whether you accept them or not is your choice.”
Environment- 92 Quotations
Many of the youth expressed that home is there safe space. Which means their home environment is the most impactful place and space where youth can experience safety, acceptance, and trust. Home is their most important space to learn and absorb the bad and more importantly the good.
“My house is definitely my safe space just because I know and trust the people that I live with. And so I feel comfortable there and I have autonomy to do what I want to.”
What We Do to Cultivate Change
What We Do to Cultivate Change
Addressing youth violence requires a multifaceted approach that incorporates the perspectives and experiences of young people themselves. It is important to involve youth in the development of strategies and solutions to address the root causes of violence and promote safety in their communities.
One way to incorporate youth voice is to provide opportunities for young people to engage in community-based programs and initiatives that focus on violence prevention and intervention. These programs may include youth-led advocacy groups, community service projects, and mentoring programs that provide support and positive role models for youth.
Another important aspect of addressing youth violence is providing access to resources and services that can help young people cope with the impact of violence and trauma, such as mental health counseling and substance abuse treatment. These services should be culturally responsive and tailored to the needs of youth in the community.
It is also important to address the structural factors that contribute to violence, such as poverty, lack of educational opportunities, and systemic racism and discrimination. Engaging youth in policy and advocacy efforts can help to address these root causes and promote positive change in their communities.
Overall, incorporating youth voice and involvement in violence prevention efforts can help to promote safety and well-being for young people and their communities. By valuing their experiences and perspectives, we can work together to create a more just and equitable society for these youth.
WHAT NEXT?
DMCI is unwavering in its commitment to empower and champion the aspirations of the youth. In our ongoing dedication, we are poised to provide robust support by furnishing a more comprehensive framework to aid them in realizing their desired outcomes. Our commitment extends beyond mere encouragement; we are devoted to assisting the youth in navigating the intricate process of identifying specific goals.
We understand that setting objectives is just the beginning, and to this end, DMCI is steadfast in its resolve to guide the youth in crafting effective strategies to reach these goals. Whether it involves skill development, educational pursuits, or personal growth, we aim to be a reliable partner in their journey. Furthermore, we recognize the importance of data and research in informed decision-making and goal achievement. DMCI is committed to facilitating the utilization of these resources, ensuring that the youth can leverage valuable insights to successfully accomplish their endeavors.
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