In 2023, 214,099 violent crimes were registered in Germany – by 8.6% more than in the previous year, writes the German public broadcaster ARD, referring to the data of the Federal Criminal Police Service. In this regard, ARD writes that certain risk factors can increase people's tendency to violence and emphasizes that many of them can be influenced.
ARD points out that if a child learns that violence is a way to deal with problems, he will use it as an adult. If we were physically, emotionally or sexually abused in childhood, this can increase our propensity for violence – even as children or later as adults. Such people try to compensate for every bad thing with aggression based on the mechanisms they learned in childhood, the public media publication also said.
The role of genes
One of the reasons for this increased propensity for violence is the activation of certain genes. Scientists have already discovered about 40 genes that are related to violence, continues ARD.
For example, the MAO-A gene makes us more aggressive when it is less active because less dopamine and norepinephrine are broken down in the brain. A high concentration of these two neurotransmitters in the brain makes us angry. The 5-HTT gene, which is responsible for serotonin transport, also plays a role. Those who have too little of it react more aggressively and impulsively.
However, it is not possible to predict whether someone will actually become aggressive over time based on certain genes. All scientific attempts on this topic have so far been unsuccessful. According to the researchers, the activation of these violence-related genes and various risk factors, for example, neglect, physical and emotional abuse, are decisive for the increased propensity for violence. Therefore, a childhood with bad experiences favors an increased propensity for violence, scientists believe.
What exactly happens in the brain?
The hypothalamus, amygdala and cerebral cortex are the main brain areas involved in violent outbursts. If someone suddenly attacks us, the cerebral cortex is the first to recognize this. She analyzes what is happening and decides how dangerous the situation is. In case of real danger, a signal is sent to the amygdala, where the further processing of the information takes place – how to react to the dangerous situation – whether by flight or attack. The amygdala then transmits the impulse to the hypothalamus and finally the brain receives the command to attack, i.e. to become aggressive. The autonomic nervous system is immediately activated so that we can fight.
In contrast, during cold-blooded planned acts of violence, certain nerve cells in the brain are activated that ensure the release of dopamine. This neurotransmitter activates the "reward center", which tells the brain to do it again if possible. Therefore, this violence can lead to addiction.
How can we prevent acts of violence?
If we protect our children from physical and emotional abuse, there is a good chance that they will be less aggressive later on. Other factors that usually prevent future aggressive behavior are instilling values in children and good social contacts.
You may not unlock your own potential for violence if, for example, in a conflict situation you do not allow yourself to be provoked and instead are restrained and try to remain silent or simply leave the room, writes ARD.
Why there cannot be a society without violence
Feelings like fear, dissatisfaction and lack of appreciation are part of being human - they are deeply rooted in us, but at the same time they often cause violence. This is precisely why most scientists believe that a society without violence is unrealistic.
History also teaches us that violence has always existed. Some researchers even argue that violence is a fundamental component that we have inherited from evolution. However, respect, civility and mutual understanding, on the one hand, and clear laws, rules, fair administration of justice and a good standard of living, on the other, can contribute to less violence, the publication said. ARD.