What causes someone to punch, kick, stab or fire a gun at someone else or even him/herself? There is never a simple answer to that question. But people often commit violence because of one or more of the following: Expression. Some people use violence to release feelings of anger or frustration. They think there are no answers to their problems and turn to violence to express their out of control emotions. Manipulation. Violence is used as a way to control others or get something they want. Retaliation. Violence is used to retaliate against those who have hurt them or someone they care about. Violence is a learned behavior. Like all learned behaviors, it can be changed. This isn't easy, though. Since there is no single cause of violence, there is no one simple solution. The best you can do is learn to recognize the warning signs of violence and to get help when you see them in your friends or yourself. Factors that contribute to violent behavior include: peer pressure need for attention or respect feelings of low self-worth early childhood abuse or neglect witnessing violence at home, in the community or in the media easy access to weapons