As printed in the Washington Times, August 1, 2004

The Cause of Violence
By Richard Urban

Once again, violence has claimed the life of a young person, 15 year old Myesha Lowe. We must ask, what is the cause behind the recent rash of killings? 

Violence in the community is directly related to the breakdown of the family structure.  Teens from single parent or stepparent homes are as much as ten times more likely to commit crimes than those from two parent homes.  As long as Washington, DC has a 61% out-of-wedlock birth rate, the problem of violent crime is not going to be solved.

One newspaper reported that some young men who had approached Myesha and two other women earlier might have shot Myesha.  If this is true, it would not be the first time that a real or perceived rejection by someone of the opposite sex, or jealousy over a relationship was the possible cause of violence.

How can we emphasize respectful relationships between the sexes while breaking the cycle of out-of wedlock birth?  We can do this by emphasizing abstinence from sex until marriage.  In my work with DC middle and high school youth, I have found that they are willing to wait when they are shown the consequences of pre-marital sex by caring adults and older peers.  Many have committed to abstinence until marriage, and they are willing to talk to their younger peers about their commitment.

We must start looking at the cause of violent crime among youth, instead of only lamenting the effects.  Mayor Williams, the City Council and the School Board need to encourage the formation of and funding of programs that direct youth to abstain from sex until marriage.  Abstaining from sex until marriage is at the very core of good character, and is the beginning point for character education for youth of middle school age and older. 

The Washington DC Health Department rewards youth who become pregnant with many benefits, including free milk, cribs, and medical care.  On the other hand, how are abstinent youth being encouraged and rewarded?  Much more emphasis should be placed on abstinence education, which prevents pregnancy, disease and heartbreak than on caring for moms and babies after pregnancy has occurred.

   By rewarding and encouraging abstinence until marriage we will see a substantial change in the cultural environment of Washington DC.  Taking these preventative steps will lead to a long-term cure for the urgent problem of juvenile violence.