Effects of Exposure to Violence and Poverty on Young Children: The Southern African Context

This paper suggests a model for the relationships between poverty and violence. It argues that exposure to violence may lead to more high‐risk behaviors in adolescence and adulthood. Children who grow up in dangerous environment, know what it means to be poor. This article offers a psychoeducational framework for understanding the complex issues posed by the damaging effects of violence and poverty on children. The paper concludes by suggesting school‐based prevention programs that aim at reducing anger/violence, poverty and providing support to Black families. Implications for early childhood policy making are briefly discussed.