Violence Essay -- Handguns Firearms Essays

Violence Skills & Science of Doctoring By now images of horror and shock like the one of students and teachers crying at Buell Elementary have become all-too-common. As we reel once again from the terrible thought that an innocent life has been taken and it was a child who pulled the trigger, we should be vigilant for the next event, which is becoming equally predictable†¦ As public health professionals, we are trained to ask important questions so we can treat both the symptoms and root causes of a sickness. We will give a child medicine for a fever, but also antibiotics for the microorganism causing the illness. The question to ask when diagnosing this tragedy is a simple one: Where did a seven-year-old boy get a loaded gun? (â€Å"Physicians†) Many physicians feel that they do not have a direct influence on preventing violence. Yet, as patient advocates, it is often physicians who have the best opportunity to intercede on the behalf of patients in potentially violent circumstances. Numerous paradigms of violence exist, and it may be difficult for the physician to cover the range of issues productively and efficiently in a single visit. Instead, the physician may wish to confront these topics over a series of visits to best assess the patient’s willingness to discuss these issues and act in the recommended manner. This paper serves not only to bring to light issues of violence with which a physician may be presented, but also provides a model for discussing these issues with patients to best provide preventative techniques. Historically, violence has been dealt with by local communities and governmental agencies. However, recent studies show that the propensity towards violence begins in one’s childhood. Specifically... .... Aug 1998, 152(8): 749-56. Kaplan, Sandra J. MD Family Violence: A Clinical and Legal Guide. American Psychiatric Press, Inc. Washington, DC 1996. Newberger, Eli H. Child Abuse. Violence in America: A Public Health Approach. Oxford University Press. NY 1991. â€Å"Physicians for Social Responsibility: Violence Prevention.† [online:web]. www.psr.org â€Å"Public Housing Drug Elimination Program; Gun Buyback Violence Reduction Initiative.† Join Together Online. [online:web]. www.jointogether.org â€Å"Research Reveals Links Between Substance Abuse and Gun Violence.† Join Together Online. [online:web]. www.jointogether.org Rosenberg, Mark L. & Mercy, James A. Assaultive Violence. Violence in America: A Public Health Approach. Oxford University Press. NY 1991. â€Å"Stop Handgun Violence.† [online:web]. www.stophandgunviolence.com