NCJ Number
140340
Date Published
1991
Length
38 pages
Annotation
Assaultive violence is a serious public health problem in the United States, with consequences of psychological and social dysfunction, injury, and death.
Abstract
Assaultive violence includes both nonfatal and fatal interpersonal violence where physical force or other means is used by one person with the intent of causing harm, injury, or death to another. Such violence is a common endpoint of different behavioral pathways, including arguments between acquaintances, escalating domestic violence between spouses, or robberies perpetrated by strangers. Each pathway or type of assaultive violence can be associated with a unique set of causes and risk factors. Biological, psychological, cultural, structural, and interactionist factors may all contribute to assaultive violence. About 19,000 to 23,000 deaths occur annually in the United States due to assaultive violence which takes its greatest toll among minorities, men, and the young. Little is known about how to prevent interpersonal violence most effectively, but strategies to eliminate assaultive violence should include efforts to promote broad social changes and specific interventions. An overview of the nature of assaultive violence is presented, and national, State, and local sources of data on the problem are identified. Causes of and risk factors associated with assaultive violence are examined, with particular attention paid to homicide and victim-offender relationships. Interventions to prevent assaultive violence focus on social and cultural changes, health and related social services, criminal justice system changes, and environmental changes. 83 references and 6 figures