Written by Alexander Butchart, et al.
This item is in the NZFVC Good Practice Database.

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The guidelines contained in this document describe a public health approach to the prevention of interpersonal violence. They have been prepared as a result of the 2002 publication "World Report on Violence and Health", which recommended the engagement of governments and stakeholders at all levels of decision making to respond to the multifaceted nature of violence. To that end, a total of nine country-level activities were recommended. The report showed that investment in multi-sectoral strategies, as a way of preventing interpersonal violence, was a necessary step and that health sector leadership was an essential component. Six of the nine recommendations are contained in this guide: increasing the capacity for collecting data on violence; researching violence - its causes, consequences and prevention; promoting the primary prevention of interpersonal violence; promoting gender and social equality and equity to prevent violence; strengthening care and support services for victims; and developing a national action plan of action. Promoting a multi-sectoral, data-driven and evidence-based approach, these guidelines provide conceptual, policy and practical advice on how to implement each of the six country-level activities. An ecological model is used to assist in the understanding of the causes, consequences and prevention of interpersonal violence. It is emphasised that countries using the guidelines will require both a multi-sectoral involvement and clear leadership for the success of the intended outcome of prevention of interpersonal violence. Where countries are lacking resources for achieving certain aspects of the recommendations, the information in the guide will be useful for planning processes.