Can violence be prevented in the United States?-Handouts: Slides

Handouts: Slides

Pdf Summary

Interpersonal violence prevention in the United States is a public health issue that requires attention and action. Homicide rates remain high, with it being the second leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults aged 15-24 years. It is estimated that there were 1.5 million emergency department visits for assaults in 2020. Interpersonal violence has significant health consequences, including physical, mental, behavioral, reproductive, and sexual transmitted diseases.<br /><br />The public health approach to violence prevention involves defining and monitoring the problem, identifying risk and protective factors, developing and testing prevention strategies, and disseminating successful strategies widely. There are different forms of violence, including childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Various risk and protective factors contribute to interpersonal violence at individual, close interpersonal, community, and societal levels, such as demographic factors, psychological disorders, ineffective parenting, and social norms that support violence.<br /><br />Implementing evidence-based strategies and approaches can help prevent interpersonal violence. Some of these strategies include promoting family environments that support healthy development, providing quality education early in life, strengthening youth's skills, connecting youth to caring adults and activities, creating protective community environments, and intervening to lessen harms and prevent future risk.<br /><br />These prevention efforts require collaboration and involvement from various sectors, including public health, education, government, social services, business, and justice. Monitoring and evaluation of prevention efforts are crucial to assess the extent of the problem and the impact of interventions.<br /><br />In conclusion, while interpersonal violence remains a significant issue in the United States, prevention is possible through a comprehensive public health approach. By implementing evidence-based strategies and engaging various sectors, we can work towards reducing interpersonal violence and its harmful effects.

Keywords

interpersonal violence prevention

public health issue

homicide rates

adolescents and young adults

emergency department visits

health consequences

violence prevention

risk and protective factors

evidence-based strategies

prevention efforts