Center for Conflict Resolution

Conflict Resolution Skills Can Help Prevent Violence in Society

One way to help prevent the increasing incidence of violence in society is through early prevention, such as training in conflict resolution for children and families.  That's one of the messages put forth by Dr. Glen Stassen, author of numerous books of peace and justice, including Just Peacemaking: Ten Practices for Abolishing War.

"Research results indicate the most violent events are preceded by escalation from verbal conflict through insults, and threats, and that teaching people to interrupt escalation by mediation and conflict resolution is effective and lasting if they are taught in the early grades, "wrote Stassen, who is professor of Christian Ethics at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA. In addition, teaching parents and families how to deal with conflict peaceably can pay off in helping reduce violence in society as a whole, he continued.  "Numerous studies have shown that violence in the home creates a pattern an expectation among children and youth that violence is an appropiate reaction to stress and an effective way to express anger. ... Family-oriented programs that offer prenatal care for expectant mothers, teach parenting skills, and offer health, social, and educational services to parents in need are a crucial first step in violence prevention."

In additions, Stassen explains, economic deprivation can contribute to violence.  "Rates of abuse - physical and sexual - are six times higher for children in families with income under $15,000 than for other children." Stassen wrote, adding that it follows that job training, assistance to the working poor, and greater justice in income distribution are effective ways to cut violence.

Dr. Glen Stassen was the keynote speaker at this year's benefit dinner for Just People, Inc. The benefit dinner was held on April 17, 2008 at the Abilene Civic Center and Joey Cope, executive director of the Center for Conflict Resolution, served as master of ceremonies for the benefit event. 

Just People, Inc. also believes that helping people to succeed in life can have positive results for the community, as well as for individuals.  Just People, Inc. is a faith-based, nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping and empowering disadvantaged youth, the working poor and the poor who want to work to be increasingly self-supporting.