Some of the violence is considered 'domestic situations'. There are many troubled couples who vacillate between madly in love and living in situations of abuse and violence. Add in substance abuse or mental illness and you have a recipe for disaster. Solutions are not always easy but there are steps we can take. If we know someone living in an abusive relationship we should speak up. Let them know that we are aware of the situation and willing to help. This often means a hands on approach. Be willing to do something; make phone calls to appropriate agencies, including mental health, and arrange transportation to a safe place if necessary. The persons involved may deny the problem or make excuses (he only hits me when I make him mad). Be the voice of sanity and reason and don't give up on them.
Some of the violence is gang related, yes even in the suburbs. It's often not about turf but may be about running drugs, guns, or human trafficking. Besides keeping our young people involved in wholesome community and church activities, we need to be aware of their friends. If you have children, let your house be the place where the kids can gather. This way you get to know your kids' friends and you control what happens in your home. But also remember, 'if you see something. say something.' Virtually every police department has an anonymous hotline, use it. Remember you are not only saving your children, you are making your community safer.
As Christians, we are often reminded to pray, and pray we must. But there is also time for action. Don't be afraid to take a stand and get involved. We need to take the time to embrace our brothers and sisters. We may not know the struggle; substance abuse, other forms of abuse, mental illness, etc., but we can be a listening ear and an intercessor for our brothers and sisters. If we all do our part maybe the 'hot time in the city' will just mean the heat and not another night of violence.