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Cogan's Law: The Silent Epidemic of Casual Violence in America

Cogan's Law: “No one gets killed in public anymore. They kill you in a quiet place where no one will find you and no one will hear you. You never hear a thing.”

—Detective Martin "Marty" Cogan, "Killing Them Softly" (2012 film)

The State of Violence in America

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), homicide is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States, with 19,141 fatalities in 2020. Of these homicides, 87.1% were committed with a firearm.

Every hour in the United States:

4 people are killed with a gun
6 people are shot and injured
2 children are killed or injured by an accidental shooting

The Silent Epidemic

Killing Them Softly is a poignant reminder of the hidden epidemic of violence that plagues our society. The victims are not the high-profile targets of mass shootings or terrorist attacks, but ordinary people killed in the shadows, often without warning or explanation.

Like Detective Cogan, law enforcement officials across the country are witnessing this "silent epidemic." In a 2021 survey, 96% of police chiefs reported an increase in unsolved homicides.

The rise in casual violence has several disturbing implications:

It erodes public safety: Citizens fear venturing out in their own neighborhoods, knowing that random acts of violence can happen anywhere, anytime.
It undermines the rule of law: When perpetrators of violence know they can escape justice, they become emboldened to commit further crimes.
It creates a sense of hopelessness: Victims and their families are left without closure or answers, which can lead to long-term psychological trauma.

Stories of Casual Violence

1. The Case of Sarah Everard:

In March 2021, 33-year-old Sarah Everard disappeared while walking home from a friend's house in London. After a massive search, her body was found in a wooded area. A serving police officer was later charged with her murder and kidnap.

Sarah's case is a tragic example of how casual violence can strike anyone, anywhere. It also highlights the fact that women are disproportionately at risk of violence. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in three women will experience some form of physical violence in their lifetime.

2. The Shooting at Grand River Avenue:

In June 2021, a shooting at a gas station in Detroit, Michigan, left three people dead and one injured. The victims were randomly targeted by a gunman who opened fire from his car.

The Grand River Avenue shooting is a chilling reminder that gun violence is not isolated to specific neighborhoods or demographics. It can happen anywhere, at any time.

3. The Death of Ahmaud Arbery:

In February 2020, 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery was jogging in a predominantly white neighborhood in Georgia when he was pursued and shot dead by three men, including a former police officer.

Arbery's case is a stark example of how racial profiling and vigilante justice can lead to senseless violence. It also exposes the systemic racism that permeates our society.

What We Can Learn from These Stories

These stories highlight the heartbreaking consequences of casual violence and the need for urgent action. We must:

Acknowledge the problem: The epidemic of casual violence is a serious threat to public safety and the well-being of our communities.
Prioritize prevention: Law enforcement and community leaders must work together to develop effective strategies to prevent violence before it occurs.
Support victims and survivors: Victims of violence and their families deserve access to comprehensive support services, including counseling, legal assistance, and financial aid.
Hold perpetrators accountable: Those responsible for acts of violence must be held accountable for their crimes and face appropriate consequences.
Foster a culture of empathy and understanding: We need to build a society where violence is not tolerated and where every person is treated with dignity and respect.

Tips and Tricks

Tips for Staying Safe:

Be aware of your surroundings and potential danger zones.
Avoid walking alone at night or in isolated areas.
Trust your instincts and report suspicious behavior to the police.
Carry a personal safety alarm or whistle.
Take self-defense classes or learn basic self-defense techniques.

Tricks for Spotting Signs of Violence:

Pay attention to changes in behavior in people you know.
Be alert for signs of domestic violence, such as physical injuries, emotional distress, or social isolation.
Notice if someone is making threats or expressing violent thoughts.
Report any concerns to a trusted adult, law enforcement, or a crisis hotline.

Why Casual Violence Matters

Casual violence is not just a statistic. It has real and lasting consequences for individuals, families, and communities.

It destroys lives: Needless acts of violence cut short the lives of innocent people, leaving behind grieving family members and shattered dreams.

It undermines our society: Casual violence erodes trust in law enforcement and makes it harder for people to feel safe in their own neighborhoods.

It costs billions of dollars: The economic costs of violence are staggering, including healthcare expenses, lost productivity, and property damage.

Benefits of Reducing Casual Violence

Reducing casual violence would have numerous benefits for our society:

Increased public safety: Citizens would feel safer in their communities and have a greater sense of well-being.
Improved quality of life: People would be less afraid to go out, socialize, and enjoy their lives.
Reduced healthcare costs: By preventing violent injuries, we could save billions of dollars in healthcare expenses.
Increased economic productivity: A reduction in violence would lead to a more stable and prosperous economy.
A more just and equitable society: By addressing the root causes of violence, we can create a fairer society where everyone feels safe and respected.

Comparing Pros and Cons

Pros of Reducing Casual Violence:

Increased public safety
Improved quality of life
Reduced healthcare costs
Increased economic productivity
A more just and equitable society

Cons of Reducing Casual Violence:

Resource-intensive: Reducing violence requires significant investment in law enforcement, social services, and community programs.
Political challenges: There is often disagreement about the root causes of violence and the best way to address it.
Cultural challenges: Changing cultural norms and behaviors that contribute to violence can be difficult.

Conclusion

Casual violence is a serious and growing problem that threatens the safety and well-being of our communities. We must acknowledge the problem, prioritize prevention, support victims, hold perpetrators accountable, and foster a culture of empathy and understanding.

By working together, we can reduce casual violence and create a safer, more just, and more equitable society for all.