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What contributes to increasing violence?

St. Joseph News-Press (MO) - 7/23/2016

July 23--It seems everyday or at least every week there's a news report of a shooting or a murder happening somewhere in or around St. Joseph. But are we actually experiencing more violence in the city than a year ago? If we are, then what is the cause?

Jen Gentry, community mental health liaison for Family Guidance, believes there are a number of reasons. An increase in drug use is one of them.

"Certainly we know there's been an increase in heroin use in this area, and substance abuse just in general increases people's impulsivity, decreases their ability to think clearly and make good decisions. Certainly that could be a factor," Gentry said.

Gentry added that research has shown there is no correlation with mental illness and violence. In fact, the mentally ill are more likely to be victims rather than perpetrators of violence.

"Just because somebody struggles with mental health does not mean that they will also be violent, and just because someone is violent doesn't mean they struggle with mental illness. There is not a direct linkage. Some people are just mean folks and make those poor decisions," Gentry said.

According to St. Joseph police statistics, there were 207 aggravated assaults in 2015. Since June this year, there have been 156 aggravated assaults.

Last year, there were seven murders recorded. There have been four homicides as of June.

FBI reports for 2015 show violence is up 1.7 percent nationwide, and homicides are up 6.2 percent.

According to a report from the American Psychological Association, violence has a number of causes. These include frustration, exposure to violent media and violence in the environment.

Certain situations increase the risk of aggression, such as drinking, insults and other provocations and environmental factors such as heat and overcrowding.

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