Interpersonal violence is an issue of growing public concern. It is distinct from other forms of violence such as in armed conflicts, repression, terrorism and organised crime, which is defined as ‘collective violence’.

The magnitude of the problem of ‘interpersonal violence’ is not only reflected by the number of homicides. Behind the official statistics on deaths and hospitalisations, a much bigger part of the problem remains concealed in our society. Interpersonal violence takes many forms (physical, mental and sexual) and occurs in different environments (in the family, between intimate partners, in the community and at work). It undermines the social and economic conditions in society.

Scope

Actions in this domain will be initiated in close collaboration with other EU- network of partners and NGO’s in Member States. The Public Health input will primarily focus on the prevention of physical violence and the resulting physical injuries and will aim at a successful implementation of projects in a variety of settings such as schools, universities, workplaces, home care houses and hospitals.

Partners

To be confirmed at a later stage.

Objectives

To provide a multidisciplinary framework for understanding the problem and for identifying effective approaches to violence prevention. This vision suggests a move from reactive responses to violence towards actions that seek to empower people and their communities and to change environmental factors that lead to violence.

Specific objectives will de defined at a later stage once this Task Force has a more concrete form.

Coordinating office

Liverpool John Moores University
Centre for Public Health
Castle House
North Street
LIVERPOOL L3 2AY
Great Britain

Contact person: Mark Bellis
E-mail: m.a.bellis@ljmu.ac.uk
Phone: + 44 151 231 4511