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Fatherhood Educational Institute Supports National Crime Victims Rights Week

CHICAGO April 24, 2012 Father absence is one of the strongest predictors of urban violence in cities across the United States and this being National Crime Victims Rights Week the Fatherhood Educational Institute (http://fatherhood-edu.org) encourages responsible fatherhood in the prevention of crime and violence this week and every week of the year. Research consistently demonstrates that father absence, crime and violence are directly connected as father-absent young males are twice as likely to engage in criminal activity and a startling 70% of incarcerated juveniles grew up without the positive influence of a father in their lives. This high-potential for crime carries into schools as father-absent children are more likely to carry a gun to school and eleven times more likely to exhibit violent behavior in the classroom. As these children grow into adults they have a significantly greater risk for continued criminal behavior, much of which can be attributed to the low rate of supervision found in many father-absent homes. The Fatherhood Educational Institute recognizes responsible fatherhood as a critical step in crime and violence prevention as the disappearance of fathers in the lives of children has had a detrimental impact crime and violence. Fathers are the first line of defense in preventing crime by being mentors, caregivers, and nurturing healthy child relationships, said Jeffery M. Leving, President Emeritus of FEI. Fathers who take an active role in the lives of their children are not only protecting their own children, but helping create safer communities for us all. For more information about what families and communities can do to overcome the devastating problem of crime and father absence visit http://fatherhood-edu.org.

PARTNERS WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

70 West Madison Street Suite 1400, #14012A Chicago, IL 60602 Phone: (312) 795-9060 www.fatherhood-edu.org
President -Claude Ohanesian

President Emeritus: -Jeffery M. Leving, J.D.

Board of Directors: -James M. Hagler, J.D. -Walter A. Jones, Jr. -Timothy S. OGrady, J.D.

Counsel: -Kirk A. Hoopingarner, J.D.

Officers: -Kirk A. Hoopingarner, J.D., Secretary

Advisory Board: -Curt Holderfield -Dr. William Martin

Honorary Advisor for Urban Affairs: -U.S. Congressman Danny K. Davis th 7 Congressional District

Honorary Advisor for Media Affairs: -Gordon Bell, former NFL player Clear Channel Communications

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