An Assembly Resolution declaring violence a public health crisis.

Whereas, Violence is a significant problem in the United States that affects people in all stages of life, from infants to the elderly, and is linked to many chronic diseases, obesity, substance abuse and other physical, reproductive, and mental health consequences; and

Whereas, As reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nationwide, more than 16,250 people were the victims of homicide and more than 38,360 people took their own lives in one year, according to the most recent data available; and

Whereas, Violence also affects youth in the United States with homicide as the second leading cause of death among persons 15 to 24 years old, according to the CDC; and

Whereas, In addition, there are many victims of gun violence in this country as an average of 31,537 people die per year from gun violence and, on average, an additional 71,386 survive gun related injuries; and

Whereas, According to the most recent data available, in this State alone, there are over 2,700 violent crimes committed per year and there are 380 murders per year, meaning there is one murder every 23 hours and three minutes; and

Whereas, The CDC has found that although there are a significant number of violent deaths in this country each year, there are many more individuals who survive violence and are left with permanent physical and emotional scars and that this violence erodes communities by reducing productivity, decreasing property values, and disrupting social services; and

Whereas, Exposure to youth violence and school violence can lead to a wide array of negative health behaviors and outcomes, including alcohol use, drug use, and suicide. In addition, depression, anxiety, and other psychological problems can result from exposure to school violence; and

Whereas, The foregoing findings demonstrate the prevalence of violence and the detrimental effects that violence has on the citizens of this nation and State; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. This House declares violence a public health crisis.

2. Duly authenticated copies of this resolution, signed by the Speaker of the General Assembly and attested by the Clerk thereof, shall be transmitted to the Commissioner of Health and the Attorney General.

STATEMENT

This resolution declares violence a public health crisis. Violence is a significant health problem in the United States that affects people in all stages of life.

As reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nationwide, more than 16,250 people were the victims of homicide and more than 38,360 people took their own lives in one year. Violence also affects youth as homicide is the second leading cause of death among persons 15 to 24 years old. In this State alone, there are 380 murders per year and over 27,000 violent crimes committed per year, according to the most recent data available.

The CDC has found that although there are a significant number of violent deaths in this country each year, there are many more individuals who survive violence and are left with permanent physical and emotional scars and that this violence erodes communities by reducing productivity, decreasing property values, and disrupting social services.

In addition, exposure to youth violence and school violence can lead to a wide array of negative health behaviors and outcomes, including alcohol use, drug use, and suicide.

The foregoing findings demonstrate the prevalence of violence and the detrimental effects that violence has on the citizens of this nation and State.