REFERENCE TITLE: prevention of violence; support

State of Arizona Senate Fifty-third Legislature First Regular Session 2017

SCR 1032

Introduced by Senators Mendez: Bowie, Bradley, Dalessandro, Miranda, Peshlakai; Representatives Andrade, Blanc, Fernandez, Salman

 

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

 

SUPPORTING THE PREVENTION OF VIOLENCE IN ARIZONA.

 

 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

 

Whereas, violence can be prevented if all Arizonans work together to change; and

Whereas, in 2013, Arizona ranked forty-seventh out of the fifty states for overall well-being of children; and

Whereas, from 2009 to 2010, child abuse rates in Arizona increased 59.6%; and

Whereas, in 2012, 60.8% of Arizona eighth graders reported having witnessed someone being punched, kicked, choked or beaten, 18.8% of Arizona eighth graders reported not feeling safe at school and 39.9% of Arizona eighth graders reported being bullied at school at least once during the preceding twelve months.  These percentages were greater than the percentages reported by students in grades nine through twelve; and

Whereas, in 2012, 13.6% of Arizona students in grades eight through twelve reported having been hit, slapped, pushed, shoved, kicked or otherwise physically assaulted by a boyfriend or girlfriend in the preceding year as compared to 9.4% nationwide; and

Whereas, in 2011, a total of 10% of Arizona students in grades nine through twelve, 12.8% of female students and 7.1% of male students, reported having been physically forced to have sexual intercourse when they did not want to as compared to 8% nationwide; and

Whereas, in 2011, 18.7% of Arizona students in grades nine through twelve seriously considered attempting suicide, with 16.3% making an actual plan.  Arizona statistics are the highest in the nation; and

Whereas, preventative action must be taken immediately to curb the normalization of violence throughout Arizona.  According to Jack P. Shonkoff, "[t]he moral imperative for preventative action is compelling and the potential social and economic returns on investment are substantial"; and

Whereas, Peer Solutions cultivates safety, equality and respect as norms through "The Guts to be Good" (G2BG) model.  The G2BG model consists of the following five permanent solutions to the problem of violence:

1.  The guts to speak up: Arizonans shall speak up, when they perceive it to be safe, if they see or hear something that is harmful.

2.  The guts to be respectful: Arizonans shall treat everyone equally with kindness and compassion.

3.  The guts to be courteous: Arizonans shall smile, say please and thank you and pledge to do something nice for someone on a daily basis.

4.  The guts to be honest: Arizonans shall value honestly and seek immediate help if they know someone is harming others or engaging in self‑harm.

5.  The guts to lend a hand: Arizonans shall volunteer, be empathetic and lend a hand to those in need.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Arizona, the House of Representatives concurring:

1.  That the Members of the Legislature support the notion that prevention is the solution to the problem of violence in Arizona.

2.  That the Members of the Legislature support Arizona families, schools and communities in their efforts to prevent the underlying conditions of these harms using the positive permanent solutions provided in the G2BG model.

3.  That the Members of the Legislature commit to working together with Arizona families, schools and businesses and other community organizations to empower all Arizonans, especially Arizona youth, to prevent violence before it begins.

4.  That the Members of the Legislature believe that the people of Arizona have the power to make Arizona safe and enjoyable for all Arizonans who live, attend school, work and play in this state.