NCJ Number
179509
Date Published
1999
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This paper envisions a variety of health-services models that might limit the extent and impact of violence.
Abstract
The services would address risk factors for interpersonal violence and mitigate the effects of violence on its victims. The paper first reviews major factors that singly or in interactive combination may influence the risk of violent behavior. These include adverse maternal and infant health, mental illness and developmental disability, substance abuse, and brain injury. Following a discussion of each of these factors and their potential contribution to violence, the author explores alternative institutional configurations for the delivery of services aimed at addressing these risk factors. It suggests that in some contexts institutions outside the public sector may be better situated than government agencies to meet the needs at issue. Whenever possible, the institutional configuration should be culturally appropriate. Policymakers and concerned citizens should think strategically about which specific institutions lend themselves to service delivery in a given setting. The paper advises that programs which show promise should be tested as pilot programs before being established on a large scale or being transplanted to a different cultural context. 63 references