ASSEMBLY HEALTH COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION No. 17

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JANUARY 27, 2020

      The Assembly Health Committee reports favorably Assembly Resolution No. 17.

     This resolution declares violence a public health crisis.  Violence is a significant health problem in the United States that affects people in all stages of life. 

     As reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nationwide, more than 16,250 people were the victims of homicide and more than 38,360 people took their own lives in one year.  Violence also affects youth as homicide is the second leading cause of death among persons 15 to 24 years old.  In this State alone, there are 380 murders per year and over 27,000 violent crimes committed per year, according to the most recent data available.

     The CDC has found that although there are a significant number of violent deaths in this country each year, there are many more individuals who survive violence and are left with permanent physical and emotional scars and that this violence erodes communities by reducing productivity, decreasing property values, and disrupting social services.

     In addition, exposure to youth violence and school violence can lead to a wide array of negative health behaviors and outcomes, including alcohol use, drug use, and suicide. 

     The foregoing findings demonstrate the prevalence of violence and the detrimental effects that violence has on the citizens of this nation and State.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2020-2021 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.