We live in a confusing world, and that can often lead to people acting out in ways that they would never normally consider. One common example of this can stem from violent crime. In many cases, a violent crime can take place in the event of self-defense, or out of fear. However, many things can take place in our lives that lead us to make decisions we would never normally pursue. Violent action is an example of this.
However, while support is available for those who commit such an action, prevention is always the preferred alternative.
Before reaching a point where one might need a violent crimes attorney, like here, then, it is important to view education as the ideal deterrent. Numerous long-term benefits can come from educating someone – it can even stop the development of violent thought, and thus limiting the likelihood of violent action.
Education is always seen as the most effective method to combat an adverse situation. Someone who feels compelled to act out in violence against someone whom they perceive as a threat could be educated to see the ‘threat’ from an unfamiliar perspective. History, though, shows many examples of governments simply toughening sentences and harshening the rule of law in the fact of violence.
However, does harshly treating someone for a crime, even a violent crime, put them on a path to genuine education and redemption?
As opposed to expecting people to prevent themselves from taking violent action due to severe punishment, it is better to focus on preventing violent action through education. Training, support, and provision of balanced education can be far more effective in stopping violent crime than life-ruining punishments that can make redemption nearly impossible.
Can a better education limit the risk of violence?
Almost certainly. Today, it is well-accepted that a quality education can help to reduce criminal thought. Though many well educated people can still commit a crime, many crimes that are acts of violence stem from a lack of understanding of how else to resolve a situation. Education alone does not make someone less likely to commit a crime; it can, though, help to reduce certain types of crime.
Someone who feels threatened or marginalized is, without an education, likely to lash out. They can be led to believe that an act of violence is justifiable retribution for how they are being made to feel. A thorough education, though, can help someone to see the cause of their fear, hurt, anguish, or marginalization is not the result of an ‘other’ individual or identity.
Indeed, previous studies have shown that those who miss pre-schooling are as much as 70% more likely to be arrested for a crime by the age of eighteen. An early education, and an early chance to show someone the benefits of thinking before they act, could be the difference between a violent offender and a non-offender.
In many cases, a violent act is an act of fear or misunderstanding as much as it is an act of malice. Through education, it is proven we can do more to help people who feel threatened, marginalized, or otherwise out of touch with society.