Few children grow up to be violently aggressive, but those who do tend to have physically abusive parents, or are victimized by peers according to this longitudinal study from Harvard University. Race, gender and family income had little effect on kids' likelihood of fighting, lashing out against peers, or attacking with weapons. But children who are physically punished at home and are socially withdrawn, distressed in new situations, and anxious about making new friends are at high risk for aggression.

Violence among children and teens takes many forms—from self-inflicted injuries to child abuse or witnessing violence at home or on TV. This entire issue of the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine is devoted to the problem of violence in young lives, reflecting the health community's belief that violence is one of the most significant public health problems confronting our society and the world at large.

The Law Center works to protect and advance the progress of women and girls at work, in school and in virtually every aspect of their lives.

The Children's Defense Fund believe all children deserve to grow up in a nurturing environment that is free from violence and that promotes positive development from childhood through adolescence and into adulthood.

The Council tries to enable people to create safer and more caring communities by addressing the causes of crime and violence and reducing the opportunities for crime to occur. They list dozens of things parents, teachers and community members can do to make schools safe in Stopping School Violence.

More than 2 million children across the country are being raised by relatives because their parents can't provide adequate care. Many of these kids are there because of a parent's alcohol or drug problem. Caitlin Johnson explores this issue, and a new training series that may help.

Instead of being "scared straight," youth who commit nonviolent crimes like shoplifting are learning about choices, consequences, and their own worth through community diversion programs like Neighborhood Youth Services in Duluth, Minnesota. One mother, whose 14-year-old son was arrested for shoplifting, says the experience changed her family's outlook.

Connect for Kids' Crime and Violence Prevention topic page links to groups and initiatives studying the best strategies to curb crime, and protect young victims from violence at home or in the neighborhood.

This group's Violence Prevention Network works to reduce firearms and domestic violence. Firearm Factsheets are available in .pdf format. (You will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.)

The first step in helping abused children is learning to recognize the symptoms of child abuse, according to Prevent Child Abuse America. Learn the signs of physical and emotional abuse, neglect and child maltreatment.