Urban youth as witnesses to violence: Beginning assessment and treatment efforts

This article reviews literature on witnessing violence (''covictimization'') in children and adolescents. As violent incidents have increased dramatically in urban areas, so has exposure by inner-city youth to violence in the home, school, and community. In reaction to witnessing violence, youth may present symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Separation Anxiety and Depression, evince disturbed grieving and bereavement, show a number of externalizing behaviors including aggressiveness, have impaired interpersonal and family relations, and show declines in academic performance. A number of factors may mediate the impact of violence exposure including age, gender and history of prior trauma. Mental health assessment and treatment efforts for youth who have witnessed violence have been limited Directions for future investigation are highlighted.