Fighting to and from School – NYC Youth Violence Survey (FTAFS-NYVS-4)

Overview

The Fighting to and from School – NYC Youth Violence Survey (FTAFS-NYVS-4) is a survey instrument developed to assess the prevalence, characteristics, and contextual factors associated with violence experienced by students during their commute to and from school. The questionnaire examines students’ experiences of physical altercations, perceived safety, exposure to violence, and behavioral responses to threatening situations. By focusing on violence occurring outside the school premises but directly related to school attendance, the instrument provides valuable insights into an often-overlooked aspect of adolescent safety.

Objective

The primary objective of the FTAFS-NYVS-4 is to identify the factors that contribute to violence during students’ journeys to and from school and to evaluate the impact of these experiences on adolescents’ safety and well-being. The survey supports the development of evidence-based strategies aimed at reducing youth violence, promoting safer school environments, and strengthening community-based prevention initiatives.

Specifically, the instrument is designed to:

  • Assess the prevalence of violence during school commutes.
  • Identify environmental, social, and school-related risk factors.
  • Evaluate students’ perceptions of personal safety.
  • Examine behavioral responses to violent or threatening situations.
  • Inform policies and intervention programs designed to improve student safety.

Survey Structure

The FTAFS-NYVS-4 consists of a combination of closed-ended and open-ended questions addressing experiences of physical violence, exposure to aggressive incidents, concerns about personal safety, and behaviors adopted during travel to and from school. Participants’ responses are categorized according to the frequency and nature of violent experiences, allowing researchers to identify patterns of victimization and contextual risk factors associated with school commuting.

Applications

The survey is widely applicable in the fields of public health, school psychology, criminology, educational research, and community violence prevention. Data collected through the FTAFS-NYVS-4 can be used to evaluate geographic differences in violence, examine the influence of school type and neighborhood characteristics, and investigate the relationship between environmental factors and adolescent victimization. The findings support the design of targeted interventions, school safety initiatives, and public policies aimed at reducing violence and fostering secure educational environments.

Scoring and Interpretation

Responses are analyzed by categorizing participants according to their reported experiences of violence, perceived safety, and violence-related behaviors. Statistical analyses may then be conducted to identify high-risk locations, vulnerable student populations, and factors associated with increased exposure to violence. Higher scores or greater frequencies of reported violent experiences indicate an elevated risk of victimization during school commutes and may highlight the need for preventive interventions and enhanced safety measures.

Research Significance

The FTAFS-NYVS-4 provides researchers and policymakers with a standardized framework for investigating violence occurring beyond the school campus while maintaining a direct connection to students’ educational experiences. By identifying the circumstances under which violence occurs and the factors that contribute to students’ vulnerability, the survey facilitates the development of comprehensive violence prevention strategies that integrate schools, families, communities, and local authorities.

References

Davidson, S., & Ghosh, R. (2012). Youth Violence in Urban Environments: An Analysis of School-Based and Transit Violence. Journal of Urban Health, 89(4), 608–617.

Brank, E. M., Hoetger, J. L., & Walsh, J. A. (2011). Examining the Relationship Between School Safety and School Discipline Policies. Journal of School Violence, 10(2), 161–179.

O’Connor, C., & Lee, J. (2009). Strategies for Preventing Violence Among Adolescents: Evidence-Based Approaches. Journal of Adolescent Health, 45(3), 256–264.

Gottfredson, D. C., & Wilson, D. B. (2003). School-Based Crime Prevention. In Preventing Crime: What Works, What Doesn’t, What’s Promising (pp. 21–54). University of Chicago Press.

Cohen, A. P., & Milner, R. (2005). Assessing Youth Violence: Methodologies and Measures. In Handbook of Youth Violence (pp. 123–142). Routledge.