World Report on Violence and Health (2 vols.) (World Health Organisation)

Violence is a major public health problem worldwide. Each year, over 1.6 million people lose their lives to violence. Violence is among the leading causes of death for people aged 15-44 years of age worldwide, accounting for 14% of deaths among males and 7% of deaths among females. For every person who dies, as a result of violence, many millions more are injured and suffer from a range of physical, sexual, reproductive, and mental health problems. The World report on violence and health is the first comprehensive review of the problem of violence on a global scale - what it is, who it affects and what can be done about it. The report attempts to dispel the hopelessness that often accompanies any discussion on violence. Violence is preventable - it is not an intractable social problem or an inevitable part of the human condition. It is a multifaceted problem with biological, psychological, social, and environmental roots. There is no simple or single solution to the problem. Violence must therefore be addressed on multiple levels and in multiple sectors of society simultaneously. This report illustrates not only the human toll of violence but also exposes the many faces of interpersonal, collective, and self-directed violence. Far from being a well-reported phenomenon that unfolds in the limelight of front-page stories, many acts of violence, as the report shows, are in fact hidden from public view and go unreported. The report describes the magnitude and impact of violence throughout the world; examines the key risk factors for violence; gives an account of the types of intervention and policy responses that have been tried, and summarizes what is known about their effectiveness; and makes recommendations for action at local, national, and international levels. The World Health Organization launched the first World report on violence and health on October 3rd, 2002. Since then, more than 30 governments have organized national launches or policy discussions about the Report, and resolutions endorsing the Report and calling for its implementation have been passed in a number of fora, such as the World Health Assembly, the United Nations High Commission on Human Rights, and the African Union. The World report on violence and health is the first comprehensive review of the problem of violence on a global scale - what it is, whom it affects and what can be done about it. Three years in the making, the report benefited from the participation of over 160 experts from around the world, receiving both peer-review from scientists and contributions and comments from representatives of all the world's regions. publisher This Report Is Part Of Who's Response To The 49th World Health Assembly Held In 1996 Which Adopted A Resolution Declaring Violence A Major And Growing Public Health Problem Across The World. It Is Aimed Largely At Researchers And Practitioners Including Health Care Workers, Social Workers, Educators And Law Enforcement Officials. 1. Violence-a global public health problem 2. Youth violence 3. Child abuse and neglect by parents and other caregivers 4. Violence by intimate partners 5. Abuse of the elderly 6. Sexual violence 7. Self-directed violence 8. Collective violence 9. The way forward: recommendations for action.