NCJ Number
148074
Journal
Health Affairs Volume: 12 Issue: 4 Dated: (Winter 1993) Pages: 123-125
Date Published
1993
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The authors make a case for a public health-oriented approach to the epidemic of violence in America.
Abstract
First of all, so many people enter the health care system due to violence that it must be considered a public health problem. A public health approach gets to the underlying causes of violence, rather than dealing with the consequences of violence after it has already occurred. This preventive type of approach entails looking at patterns and risk factors, and integrating the contributions of many disciplines and sectors of society, in order to construct effective programs. It has proven success in reducing fatalities due to motor vehicle accidents and smoking. Critics of a public health approach to violence primarily are those who see violence as a problem of criminals and stress law enforcement solutions, and those who see violence as a product of social injustices and worry that the approach could become tantamount to blaming the victim. The approach, however, encompasses the concerns of both sides.