Mesa Police Department

Ten Things You Can Do To Stop Violence

• Settle arguments with words, not fists or weapons. Don't stand around and form an audience when others are arguing. A group makes a good target for violence.
• Learn safe routes for walking in the neighborhood, and know good places to seek help. Trust your feelings, and if there's a sense of danger, get away fast.
• Report any crimes or suspicious actions to the police, school authorities, and parents. Be willing to testify if needed.
• Don't open the door to anyone you don't know and trust.
• Never go anywhere with someone you don't know and trust.
• If someone tries to abuse you, say no, get away, and tell a trusted adult. Remember, it's not the victim's fault.
• Don't use alcohol or other drugs, and stay away from places and people associated with them.
• Stick with friends who are also against violence and drugs, and stay away from known trouble spots.
• Get involved to make school safer and better -- having poster contests against violence, holding anti-drug rallies, counseling peers, settling disputes peacefully. If there's no program -- start one!
• Help younger children learn to avoid being crime victims. Set a good example, and volunteer to help with community efforts to stop crime.

Information provided by the National Crime Prevention Council.
www.ncpc.org