Schools as Pillars for Healthy Families in Violent Urban Areas: Spotlight on Alabama

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Urban violence and child maltreatment are pressing concerns in Alabama. In 2021, the state investigated 26,116 reports of child abuse or neglect, underscoring widespread exposure to trauma (Associated Press, 2024).

Magnitude of the Problem

Nationally, about 60% of children are exposed to violence each year, and nearly 40% endure two or more violent acts (Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention [OJJDP], 2009). In Alabama, child abuse and neglect rank as the state’s ninth leading health indicator (Alabama Department of Public Health [ADPH], 2020). Reports of maltreatment rose from 8,466 in 2015 to 12,158 in 2018, reflecting a concerning upward trend (ADPH, 2024).

How Violence Impacts Alabama Families

Children exposed to violence are at increased risk of anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, and poor academic performance (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2024a). In Alabama, repeated exposure to maltreatment contributes to cycles of trauma that strain family health and community well-being (Associated Press, 2024).

How Schools Can Lead Change

1. Create Safe, Trauma-Informed Environments

Schools provide stability through predictable routines, supportive staff, and safe spaces—protective factors that buffer children from the adverse effects of violence (CDC, 2024a).

2. Expand Access to Mental Health and Family Support

Nearly 1 in 5 children exposed to violence show symptoms of PTSD (OJJDP, 2009). Schools can expand access to counselors and social workers, host workshops on coping strategies, and connect caregivers with trauma-informed parenting resources.

3. Strengthen School-Family Partnerships

Parent engagement nights and awareness campaigns help families recognize and respond to signs of child maltreatment (Associated Press, 2024).

4. Build Local and Justice Partnerships

The DOJ highlights that preventing youth violence requires collaboration among schools, law enforcement, and community organizations (OJJDP, 2009). Alabama schools can partner with child protective services and community centers to provide wraparound support.

Conclusion

With rising child maltreatment reports and community violence risks, Alabama schools serve as anchors of hope. By creating safe spaces, expanding services, and working alongside families and justice partners, schools can lead families toward resilience—even in violent urban neighborhoods.

References

Alabama Department of Public Health. (2020). State health assessment: Health indicator 9—Child abuse and neglect. https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/healthrankings/assets/2020_sha_health_indicator_9.pdf

Alabama Department of Public Health. (2024). Child abuse and neglect. https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/healthrankings/child-abuse-and-neglect.html

Associated Press. (2024, April 16). Alabama investigated 26,116 reports of child abuse or neglect in 2021. AP News. https://apnews.com/article/ebdd321ec237298c9972b042e55ff303

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024a). About community violence. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/community-violence/about/index.html

Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. (2009). Children’s exposure to violence: A comprehensive national survey. U.S. Department of Justice. https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/program/programs/cev

Raising Resilient Families Amid Urban Violence

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Urban violence can be a daily stressor for many families. Research shows that about 60% of American children are exposed to violence, crime, or abuse at home, school, or in their community, and nearly 40% experience two or more violent acts in a single year (Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention [OJJDP], 2015). Children in low-income urban neighborhoods are at even greater risk (Finkelhor et al., 2015).

The Impact

Exposure to violence increases the likelihood of anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, and post-traumatic stress disorder (Healthy People 2030, n.d.). These effects may continue into adulthood, influencing education, relationships, and health outcomes.

Evidence-Based Strategies

1. Leverage Prevention Frameworks.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2024a) recommend community-wide strategies such as promoting safe physical environments, engaging trusted adults, and supporting at-risk youth.

2. Strengthen Family Protective Factors.
Safe, stable, and nurturing relationships help buffer children from harmful effects of violence (CDC, 2024b). Families play a critical role in creating emotional security and resilience.

3. Support Through Policies and Community Solutions.
Combining mental health services, economic supports, and community partnerships is key to long-term solutions (CDC, 2024a).

What Parents Can Do

  • Build stability at home. Keep routines predictable and maintain open communication.
  • Use available resources. Parenting programs and community violence prevention initiatives, such as those highlighted by the CDC, can provide guidance and support (CDC, 2024a).
  • Advocate for change. Support policies that increase affordable housing, safe schools, and accessible mental health care.
  • Stay connected. Lean on schools, churches, and local groups for social and emotional support.

Conclusion

While urban violence creates significant challenges, parents can foster resilience by providing stability, nurturing relationships, and connecting to trusted community resources. Evidence shows that even in violent environments, strong family and community support can help children thrive.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024a). Community violence prevention: Resource for action. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/community-violence/prevention/index.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024b). About community violence. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/community-violence/about/index.html

Finkelhor, D., Turner, H., Shattuck, A., & Hamby, S. (2015). Children’s exposure to violence, crime, and abuse: An update. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh176/files/pubs/248547.pdf

Healthy People 2030. (n.d.). Children exposed to violence. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. https://health.gov/healthypeople

Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. (2015). Children’s exposure to violence, crime, and abuse: An update. U.S. Department of Justice. https://www.ojp.gov/program/programs/cev

Coping with Loss: Exploring Normal, Anticipatory, and Complicated Grief

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By Jaslyn Bush | UAB Community Health & Human Services Program Intern

Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

Death is an inevitable part of life. Grieving a loved one can be challenging, taking years to recover from the loss. In my experience, the grieving process for a loved one is never truly over because I will always remember that person. “Grief most often gets less intense over time, but the sense of loss can last for decades. Certain events, mementos or memories can bring back strong emotions, that usually last for a short time” (National Cancer Institute [NCI], 2013). Grief feels like the process of accepting that the person is no longer alive. There are three types of grief: anticipatory grief, normal grief, and complicated grief (National Cancer Institute, 2013).

According to Stanford Parkinson’s Community Outreach, anticipatory grief is the act of grieving somebody who is still alive but, expected to pass away from sickness or other health complications (Stanford Parkinson’s Community Outreach, n.d.). From my experience with grief, I believe anticipatory grief is the hardest type of grief to go through. Before both of my grandmothers passed away due to sickness, I couldn’t get over the fact that one day, they wouldn’t be here anymore. Every time I spent time with either of them, I felt this lingering sadness that one day I would never get to see or talk to them again.

The NCI explains that normal grief occurs when an individual has acknowledged and accepted their loss and continues with their life, even though it may be difficult. Some common themes of normal grief include periods of sadness, disbelief, emotional numbness, anxiety, and distress. This can also lead to loss of sleep, hallucinations of the deceased, and loss of appetite (National Cancer Institute, 2013).

Complicated grief occurs when intense sadness/grief lasts longer than expected. According to the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT), complicated grief affects 2-3% of the population worldwide. Signs of complicated grief include constant thoughts about the deceased, avoiding reminders of the deceased, along with keeping reminders of deceased such as their pictures or belongings (ABCT, 2021). Complicated grief usually lasts 6 months or longer, depending on if the individual has social, cultural, or religious connections to the deceased (ABCT, 2021).

When experiencing one or more types of grief, I have adapted some suggestions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding what one can do who is experiencing grief:

  • Seek comfort and lean on the support of others in your network.
  • Create a positive and purposeful routine.
  • Honor your loved ones who have passed.
  • If necessary, get help from a professional.
  • If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

Have you experienced grief before? What are some of the emotions that you felt? What helped you to overcome one or more types of grief? Please feel free to share in the comments section or post an encouraging message at the Wilkinson Wellness Lab on Facebook.

References

Anticipatory Grief. (n.d.). Stanford Parkinson’s Community Outreach. https://med.stanford.edu/parkinsons/caregiver-corner/caregiving-topics/anticipatory-grief.html

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. (2023, May 26). Grief. https://www.cdc.gov/howrightnow/emotion/grief/index.html.

Complicated Grief | Fact Sheet. (2021, March 4). ABCT – Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies. https://www.abct.org/fact-sheets/complicated-grief/

National Cancer Institute. (2013, March 6). Grief, Bereavement, and Coping With Loss. National Cancer Institute; cancer.gov. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/advanced-cancer/caregivers/planning/bereavement-pdq

Unseen but Unforgettable: The Lasting Effects of Emotional Abuse

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By Jaslyn Bush, UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Photo by Yan Krukau on Pexels.com

Emotional abuse is a form of mistreatment that can have profound and long-lasting effects on an individual’s mental health. Unlike physical abuse, emotional abuse can often go unnoticed, making it harder to detect and address. According to the American Psychological Association (APA) (2018), emotional abuse is defined as “a pattern of behavior in which one person deliberately and repeatedly subjects another to nonphysical acts that are detrimental to behavioral and affective functioning and overall mental well-being.”

Emotional abuse can be just as damaging as physical abuse, affecting self-esteem, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. Emotional abuse involves behaviors that manipulate, degrade, or control another person through tactics such as belittling, humiliation, intimidation, and constant criticism (Graham-Kevan & Archer, 2008). It can occur in various relationships, including romantic partnerships, family dynamics, and workplaces. While emotional abuse does not leave visible scars like physical abuse, its effects are deeply ingrained and can often result in long-term psychological harm (Graham-Kevan & Archer, 2008).

One of the primary characteristics of emotional abuse is the erosion of the victim’s self-esteem. Abusers often use tactics like gaslighting—making the victim question their sense of reality—leading to confusion, self-doubt, and insecurity. Over time, the individual may begin to internalize negative messages, believing they are unworthy, inadequate, or incapable of achieving happiness or success (Swan & Snow, 2002).

Psychological Effects of Emotional Abuse

Victims of psychological abuse may often experience heightened levels of anxiety and depression because of ongoing stress and manipulation. A study by Lawrence et al. (2020) found that individuals who experienced emotional abuse were more likely to report higher levels of depression, anxiety, and self-harm behaviors compared to those who had not been abused. The lack of visible scars from emotional abuse can make it harder for others to recognize the trauma a person is undergoing, leaving individuals feeling isolated and unsupported.

Emotional abuse also disrupts an individual’s ability to form healthy relationships. Victims may struggle with trust issues, low self-worth, and an inability to set boundaries, which can affect their social interactions and lead to further isolation. This cycle of isolation and emotional turmoil perpetuates the abuse, making it even harder to escape from unhealthy dynamics (Graham-Kevan & Archer, 2008).

Emotional abuse is a silent yet devastating form of mistreatment that can have severe effects on mental health. Its impact is often long-lasting, affecting self-esteem, causing anxiety and depression, and hindering the ability to form healthy relationships. It’s important to realize that emotional abuse can happen within any type of relationship, not just romantic ones. Have you experienced emotional abuse? If so, are you willing to share your stories to support others who are living with emotional abuse? Feel free to share your thoughts below or interact with us on Facebook at the WilkinsonWellnessLab.

References

American Psychological Association. “APA Dictionary of Psychology.” Dictionary.apa.org, 19 Apr. 2018, dictionary.apa.org/emotional-abuse.

Graham-Kevan, N., & Archer, J. (2008). Emotional abuse in relationships: A study of its prevalence and impact. Journal of Family Violence, 23(8), 561-570. 

Lawrence, E., Yoon, M., & Langer, A. (2020). The psychological impact of emotional abuse: A review. Psychology of Violence, 10(4), 423-432. 

Swan, S. C., & Snow, D. L. (2002). A typology of women’s responses to abusive relationships. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 26(2), 128-138.