Definitions, prevalence and sources of violence in Germany

Thomas Jäger

Definition

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• The term "violence" is often mixed with other terms describing similar phenomena, like"bullying" or "aggression".
• Its definition depends very much on the discipline within which studies are executed.
• In recent years the terms "bullying" or "mobbing" have been used more frequently in discussions about violence in school
  

Prevalence

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• There are contradicting findings relating to the prevalence of violence over recent years.
• With regards to violence in school, some studies claim that there has been a rise in low level violence over the past decade, while others don't see a significant change at all.
• Looking at juvenile violence, most studies indicate a rise during the mid 1980s or early 1990s, not only in Germany but all over Europe.
  

Sources

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• The development of violent behaviour does not relate to a single source, but numerous sources that interact in a complex way.
• A broad range of potential sources of violent behaviour has been detected, including factors relating to the family, school and personality.
• Several potential sources relating to the family, school and personality have been detected which may contribute to the development of violent behaviour. Other sources increase the probability of being victimised.