Preventing violence before it occurs requires a balanced effort that addresses the complex factors underlying violence and builds on the assets of youth, families, and communities. A “public health approach to preventing violence” is comprehensive and multidisciplinary in nature, and aims to minimize the negative and maximize the positive. The public health approach is primary prevention oriented, data driven, evidence based, collaborative, and population based. (Source: STRYVE)
Violence is a public health concern because it is an issue that can be prevented, and affects health outcomes and behaviors. Prevention of violence and injury involves a collaborative, evidence-based approach that can involve the community as well as government or non-governmental agencies. Through success of these partnerships should result in overall positive outcomes in community health in Chicago.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Resources
- The Public Health Approach to Violence Prevention
- Youth Violence: Risk and Protective Factors
- STRYVE (Striving To Reduce Youth Violence Everywhere)
UNITY (Urban Networks to Increase Thriving Youth Through Violence Prevention)