Coming up in the boogie down: The role of violence in the lives of adolescents in the South Bronx

This article presents data gathered from young people in a poor urban commu nity in New York City, the South Bronx. It seeks to help public health prof essionals better understand young people's perceptions of violence in the c ontext of their daily lives. Sources of data include a street survey, five focus groups, interviews with incarcerated young males, and observations of several youth programs. These data suggest that violence is pervasive in t he lives of both young men and women, although gender plays an important ro le in shaping the experience of violence. Other factors that influence the experience of violence include patterns of substance use, availability and use of weapons, and a perception that the police do not respect young peopl e. Despite numerous challenges, many young people do take actions to reduce violence. The article suggests actions public health professionals can tak e to strengthen the ability of families, schools, youth organizations, and young people themselves to reduce violence in low-income urban communities.