Preventing Violence

This document is one of a series of technical notes that describe the nature and magnitude of violence in the region, its causes and effects, and how it can be prevented and controlled. The notes provide useful information on designing programs and policies to prevent and deal with violence. This note focuses on preventing violence. The authors hold that because of its multiple causes and consequences, addressing violence requires implementing measures in several different sectors. No single formula can be applied to all situations of violence. A myriad of proposals for action have been put forth, many have been shaped by the author's discipline. These proposals can be divided up into two major groups: actions geared towards violence control and actions geared towards violence prevention.