Gender and Violence Exposure in a Study of Rural Youth

High levels of violence exposure are common in rural areas, but most attention and current research have focused on exposure to violence and the consequences of that exposure in urban settings. The current study explores the specific experiences of violence in a sample of rural youth, including exposure as a victim or witness, in three settings: home, school, and neighborhood. Behavior, attitudes, and mental health correlates to violence exposure are also considered. Gender differences within these constructs are explored and described. Intervention and treatment options at several different levels are discussed.