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Research from around the world shows that violent crime is spatially clustered in hot spots. A growing body of research shows that place-based changes to the built environment can help reduce violent crime. Increasingly, research summaries imply there are important public health approaches to reduce the hyper-concentration of violence. Past summaries of the effect of place-based changes on violence have focused primarily on their overall effect and have not paid adequate attention to the impact on violent crime within hot spots. Additionally, research summaries seldom delineate what place-based changes actually involve the work of public health departments versus that of housing agencies, redevelopment authorities, street departments, or community-based nonprofits. This review focuses on evidence from experimental and quasi-experimental studies of placed-based changes to the built environment that focus on violent crime hot spots. A narrative review discusses the context of each intervention and assesses their effect sizes on violent crime. Implications for this evidence for public health approaches to reduce violent crime hot spots are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our review offers a compelling case for centering race in place-based research and policing. Specifically, we build on insights gained from the racial structural perspective that well-documented, residentially based race disparities yield divergent social worlds, setting the stage for crime concentration and its durability. Centering race requires a critique of conventional approaches to studying hot spots policing, a heralded public safety initiative informed by the law of crime concentration and troublesome places. Race is unquestionably an organizing feature of American life and its associated indignities have proven exceedingly injurious for distressed Black and Latino communities. Therefore, we implore place-based scholars to thoughtfully consider the data routinely utilized, explore how police actions unfold in hot spots, recognize potential harms associated with intensified policing, and seriously consider that even "evidence-based" crime reduction strategies have the potential to exacerbate racial disparities. We provide guidance for stimulating advancements in hot spots policing research through theoretical integration, methodological innovation, and broadening what kinds of data qualify as evidence. Our goal is to inspire research agendas that holistically investigate why crime clusters in micro-places, engendering effective and fair public safety strategies. Without thoughtful consideration of the underlying causes of crime concentration and critical analysis of policing efforts, we risk worsening existing racial disparities, further alienating impacted neighborhood residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Place-based policing is effective, but the police do not have all the tools needed to solve complex crime problems and certain policing strategies may increase the risk of disparate impacts to members of marginalized communities. However, local governments—acting in their role as a "super-controller," can incentivize and support the natural crime-control system of place managers, handlers, and guardians to act to prevent crime at hot spots, whether or not the police are involved. This paper examines a body of evidence from 44 studies on the effectiveness of local government-led and initiated non-police interventions at crime hot spots, finding that local governments can successfully capitalize on the concentration of crime at hot spots and direct its myriad non-police resources to help prevent crime from occurring at these places. The paper concludes with three themes that have both practical and research implications for local governments as super-controllers at crime hot spots: 1) support systematic hot spot problem-solving, 2) examine the threshold of effective deterrence, and 3) ensure rigorous evaluation. • Place-based policing is effective, but there are limits to the police's ability to solve complex problems. • Local governments can prevent crime by acting as a 'super-controller', supporting the natural system of controllers. • We found place-based strategies initiated by local governments are effective across multiple domains of crime prevention. • Programs should support systematic problem-solving, consider the threshold of deterrence, and ensure rigorous evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present state of calls for and efforts to implement evidence-based policy provide a powerful foundation for propelling a movement toward bringing about rational, cost-efficient, and humane policies for reducing aggression, crime, and violence. The main aim of this article is to report on new developments in evidence-based policy (EBP)—what we view as giving rise to a new era in crime and violence prevention and social justice. The article describes major advances, both in research and policy, and discusses pressing challenges that confront EBP in crime/violence and justice, drawing on key findings from a new, comprehensive book project. The overall conclusion of the findings is heartening and yet sobering. Research and policy have made substantial progress, but there is much more to be done. The specific details of this work are organized around three questions that are foundational to evidence-based crime/violence and justice policy today: (a) How is research contributing to and guiding EBP? (b) What are productive and new ways to think about EBP? and (c) What are strategies for promoting greater use of EBP? • The present state of evidence-based policy provides a powerful foundation for propelling a movement toward bringing about rational, cost-efficient, and humane policies for reducing aggression, crime, and violence. • The article reports on new developments in evidence-based policy (EBP)—what we view as giving rise to a new era in crime and violence prevention social justice. • Research and policy have made substantial progress, but there is much more to be done. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Violence of all types is a global public health problem. Cash-based incentives can potentially reduce violence outcomes by reducing economic hardership. We aim to deliver a comprehensive systematic review of the relationship between cash-based incentives with a variety of violence outcomes. We searched studies assessing the relationship between cash-based incentives with violence outcomes at PubMed, EMBASE, Global Health and LILACS from the database's creation until July 12th, 2023. We evaluated the relationship of cash-based incentives on five types of violence outcome: intimate partner violence (IPV), child maltreatment, suicide, youth violence, and general violence. Cash-based incentives were grouped into Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT), Unconditional Cash Transfer (CCT), cash in combination with interventions other than cash(cash+), tax credits, cash for work and start-up grants. We classified the strength of evidence according to the study design and quality. An evidence map was developed to indicate gaps in the literature and impact (reduction, null and mixed). This systematic review is registered on PROSPERO, number CRD42020167049. The strength of evidence was mainly classified as moderate, or limited. The evidence map indicated research gaps on the effect of cash+ and cash for work on suicide and general violence, tax credit on general violence and start-up grants on child maltreatment, suicide, and general violence. Despite the important number of mixed evidence, we found strong and very strong evidence that cash-based interventions reduced transactional and age-disparate sex among girls, suicide, IPV victimisation, physical, emotional and sexual IPV, and physical child maltreatment. Future studies should focus on the gaps found in this review. • None of the literature reviews currently available have evaluated the strength of evidence so far. • We delivered a comprehensive review of the relationship of cash-based incentives on a variety of violence outcomes. • We also provided the strength and direction of the evidence and research gaps by using an evidence map. • Despite the mixed evidence, our review indicated that cash-based incentives reduce suicide, and protect women, children, and youth from violence. • Aligning cash-based incentives with social policies may reduce violence. Local adaptation and impact measurement are crucial, using standardized tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of intractable conflicts, emotions such as anger, constitute a major factor in the formation of attitude and behaviour. Collective public in-group anger is based on an appraisal of the out-group's behaviour as unjust and unfair. Anger is the primary negative emotion in numerous intractable conflicts. Context affects the potential construction of anger and it has great potential to influence emotional reactions and subsequent behaviour. In contrast to individual emotions, which are sometimes related to a dispositional system or physiological mechanisms, collective or group-based anger is formed as a consequence of experiences in particular societal environments that produce "circulation of affect" and collective anger. To take one current example, the intractability of the Rohingya conflict in Myanmar is anchored in a set of competing narratives and entrenched nationalism. The conflict can be explained by significant changes in the social and political contexts that have led to a reinterpretation of the historical and social conditions between ethnic Rakhine and Rohingya, and in some cases a re-directing of anger to non-aggressive yet advocative approaches of peacebuilding. Such an analysis subscribes to a growing number of recent studies that demonstrate the potentially remedial effects of anger in peace-making processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pair-matching in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) has received increased attention in criminology, the social sciences more generally, and medicine and public health, with a growing body of research demonstrating the design's benefits over "simple" RCTs. We carry out a review of matched-pair RCTs compared with simple RCTs to address a somewhat provocative yet fair question for evaluation research on crime and violence prevention interventions: Is it time for the use of pair-matching in all RCTs? At the heart of this question is the ability of the design to most efficiently and robustly compare like with like, thereby, improving confidence in observed effects of intervention trials. Several key findings emerge from the review. First, it is inadequate to examine or discuss RCTs as a single, uniform evaluation design. Here, the key organizing construct is the unit of allocation: individuals; groups of individuals (or clusters); and geographical places. Second, the advantages vastly outweigh the disadvantages for the use of matched-pair RCTs compared to simple RCTs, and most of the advantages hold for all three units of allocation. Third, pair-matching can be used with rather small samples (≥6 units) in cluster-based trials without compromising statistical power or degrees of freedom; less is known about individual- and place-based trials. Fourth, pair-matching cannot be used with some types of RCTs (e.g., cross-over) and is less amenable in other contexts (e.g., RCTs that enroll and randomize individuals on a rolling basis). Implications for evaluation research and public policy are discussed. • Pair-matching in RCTs has received increased attention in criminology and medicine. • Key organizing construct is unit of allocation: individuals; clusters; or geographical places. • Advantages vastly outweigh disadvantages for the use of matched-pair RCTs compared to simple RCTs. • Pair-matching can be used with small samples in cluster-based trials without compromising power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Violence and aggression represent a serious problem, with significant cost and impact at individual and societal level. There has been increasing interest in the potential of mindfulness interventions to decrease levels of violence and aggression. This paper systematically reviews the evidence to assess the effectiveness of mindfulness interventions for the reduction of violence and aggression levels. Five electronic databases were searched, and methods followed published guidance for systematic reviews. Studies that used a mindfulness intervention and measured outcomes of aggression and violence in adult populations were included. The Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies was utilised to evaluate the quality of included studies. Twenty-two studies met the eligibility criteria, including fourteen randomised studies, three non-randomised studies and five cohort studies. The interventions investigated included mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy and yoga with meditation. Overall, the results suggest that mindfulness-based interventions, with the possible exception of DBT, may be effective in reducing aggression and violence. They also suggest that mindfulness may relate to the processes of aggression through emotion regulation. However, papers were of variable quality, with weaknesses in both methodology and the reporting of data. Further good quality controlled studies with full and transparent reporting are needed to confirm these results, and to explore the elements of mindfulness which interact with mechanisms of aggression. • This review compiles all current evidence on the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions to decrease aggression and violence in adults • A detailed critique of the included studies is presented with the results categorised by type of mindfulness-based intervention • We observed heterogeneity in population, study design, intervention, methods and outcome measures used in the included studies • The results in 16 of the 22 studies suggest that mindfulness had an impact on violence and aggression, with effect sizes ranging from 0.21 to 0.87 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing models of deradicalisation, countering violent extremism (CVE), and counter-terrorism (CT) have lacked a clear theory of change, as well as robust empirical methodologies. This paper proposes an empirically-based systematic and transparent methodology – the Innovative Moments Coding System (IMCS) – which is empirically sensitive, ethically defensible, and can be of use in the context of research to inform practitioner contexts. Through a case study of former violent militants, we explore the adaptation and usage of this instrument to identify and track self-narrative change in the processes of engagement and disengagement, as well as radicalisation and deradicalisation in the context of violent extremism and terrorism. We illustrate how this methodology has the potential to bring benefits to the work of researchers involved in producing guidelines for disengagement, deradicalisation or risk-reduction interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Violence prevention and intervention programming continues to overlook conclusive findings from biopsychosocial research that demonstrates the salience of early interpersonal trauma in subsequent perpetration of violent behavior. As a result, programs struggle to achieve significant and sustained behavior change in individuals whose past experiences of early interpersonal violence predispose them to use violence against others. A robust research literature unequivocally links early interpersonal trauma experience with future violence perpetration. Though legal consequences have demonstrated some success in curtailing future violence among those involved with the legal system and only in situation in which law enforcement and judicial processes protect victims, there is growing recognition that rehabilitation and treatment of perpetrators is necessary. Globally, studies demonstrate that exposure to early interpersonal violence negatively impacts brain development, interpersonal skills, and emotional resilience and escalates risk for future violence perpetration. Studies of youth and adult violence perpetrators consistently demonstrate that individuals who engage in violent behavior are much more likely to have experienced early interpersonal trauma. It is essential to integrate a mental health approach into public health frameworks to address the core of violence perpetration. Unaddressed early trauma greatly distorts the normal developmental trajectory of cognitive and psychological/emotional abilities. Unsurprisingly, many of the affected systems are also linked to violence perpetration. This position paper outlines the interconnections between early trauma and violence perpetration, and demonstrates the necessity of integrating a mental health, trauma-based framework into global violence interventions. • Early childhood interpersonal trauma is related to future violence perpetration • Range of neurobiological and psychological repercussions of early trauma • Highly effective evidence-based treatments for trauma exist • Global violence interventions fail to incorporate trauma approach • Effectiveness and Sustainability problems with perpetrator interventions may be due to failure to address trauma experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Risk factor reduction approaches may decrease exposure to violence among young people experiencing homelessness. This study presents a meta-analysis exploring associations between characteristics of young people experiencing homelessness (individual-level factors) and exposure to physically violent behavior, both as perpetrators and as victims. A series of meta-analyses using random effects models were conducted, examining 426 effect sizes, calculated from findings across 26 studies. Data were analyzed from 8842 homeless young people, aged 13–26 years from North America. Individual-level factors were significantly associated with both perpetration of physically violent behavior (OR 4.87, p <.0001) and physical violence victimization (OR 4.15, p <.0001). Homelessness experiences (e.g. length of time homeless) were associated with both perpetration of, and victimization from, physically violent behaviors. Perpetration of physically violent behavior was associated with physical violence victimization (OR 11.90, p <.0001). Prevention and intervention approaches seeking to address exposure to violence, both as perpetrators and as victims, can be informed by future research investigating risk factor reduction approaches. • Risk factor reduction approaches may decrease exposure to violence among homeless young people. • Individual-level factors are associated with exposure to violence. • Few studies have examined the role of protective factors for exposure to violence. • Reciprocal associations between violence perpetration and victimization require investigation. • Prevention strategies for addressing exposure to violence can be informed by risk factor reduction approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gender based-violence and sexual violence represented a stigmatized problem in the Arab World due to religious and social reasons. In Tunisia, before the 2011 Revolution, few data were available about this subject. Since the 2016, a new Emergency Forensic Unit was settled to offer a comprehensive medical care and follow up of victims of sexual assaults. The aims of our study were to identify the pattern of female victims of sexual assaults and to provide recommendations of a public health-based prevention strategy offering an interdisciplinary approach. It was a retrospective review of casualties of all victims of sexual assaults examined in the Emergency Forensic Unit of Tunis. Our Unit receives almost all the cases of sexual assaults where a judicial procedure was initiated. We focused in this study in the collaborations between Public Health instances, civil society and policy makers in the management and prevention of gender-based sexual violence and the evolution of the policies that resulted from these collaborations after the Tunisian Revolution. • Data about Gender based violence (GBV) in Arab and Islamic countries are scarce. • In Tunisia, after 14 January 2011 Revolution, a big attention is paid to GBV especially under the efforts of civil society. • In the Metropole of Tunis, victims of sexual assaults were mostly single, unemployed, aged 19 years old in average. • Implementing the first Emergency Forensic Unit permitted centralizing the documentations of sexual assault. • The Emergency Forensic Unit represented a public health initiative that helped influence the legal framework preventing GBV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper assesses the impact of two pilot leadership development workshops. It tests the potential of an evidence and Place-based transformational Leadership Development (P-BLD) framework for building leader and leadership capabilities across sectors and for acting as a catalyst for collaborative action within an Intersectoral Urban Violence Prevention program (IUVP) in Nakuru County, Kenya. The P-BLD framework deliberately surfaces and works with the inherent tensions in intersectoral collaboration. By challenging assumptions, beliefs, attitudes and behaviours it has started to overcome a history of distrust and engender a mindset shift amongst participants. It is argued that the P-BLD framework and IUVP are mutually reinforcing which when merged have increased potential for developing an advanced state of collaboration, a stronger sense of common purpose and collective empowerment. The evidence from this research and practice demonstrates the validity of applying this approach to support peace builders in reducing violence across different countries and other policy areas where there is a shared intersectoral and territorial context. This strongly supports Lee et al.'s (2016: S24) contention that some of Latin America's most violent areas have achieved considerable reductions in urban violence by focusing on "places , people and behaviours" which means changing inter-relational attitudes and values. • Clear evidence that intersectoral and territorial based P-BLD and IUVP are mutually reinforcing. • Strong signs that participating leaders are taking first step towards a real shift in mind-sets. • Evidence of initiated trust building between traditionally opposed sectors. • Proof of first building blocks for collaborative understanding & collective action established. • Positive impact of applying P-BLD framework to challenging policy contexts in the Global South. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Violent crime concentrates in particular places, at specific times and among certain groups. Violent crime is especially concentrated in Latin American cities and urban neighborhoods. The region is home to just 14% of the world's population yet experiences 42% of the world's homicidal violence. In 2017, 43 of the 50 most homicidal cities on the planet were located there. The violent crime situation also appears to be worsening in many Latin American countries. Yet the very concentration of violent crime and its associated risks also offers opportunities for its prevention and reduction. Where crime has previously occurred is often where crime is most likely to recur in the future. Crime prevention measures that explicitly target places, people and times where crime clusters make sense on efficiency and effectiveness grounds. This descriptive analysis provides a general overview of the literature on crime concentration from Latin America and the Caribbean. In the process, it demonstrates how strategies focusing on "hot spots", "hot people" and "hot behaviors" urgently need to be replicated and scaled-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The insanity defense, which exempts those judged to be insane from being punished for whatever illegal acts they have committed, exists in order to be the exception that proves the rule: namely, that illegal acts, except those committed by the insane, deserve punishment, since they are produced by a person who chose to do what he knew was wrong; and that the only questions we need to ask are moral and legal ones: "how evil was he, and how much punishment does he deserve?" This article will be devoted to showing why punishment, far from preventing violence, is the most powerful stimulant to violence that we have yet discovered; and that we need to replace it with empirically tested policies that do prevent violence. To speak of universalizing the insanity defense is simply another way to speak of abolishing punishment. The article will show why we should abandon the notion that prisons can be reformed, and instead replace them with safe, secure residential colleges and therapeutic communities. This would mean thinking of violence as a problem in public health and preventive medicine, about which we ask "what are the causes of violence, and how can we prevent it?" • Shame causes violence toward others, and guilt-feelings inhibit it. • Punishment shames people and diminishes guilt, and therefore stimulates violence. • Therapy and education diminish shame, prevent violence, and should therefore replace prisons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews and discusses the intersection of three brain networks, violence, and mindfulness practices. Research findings suggest that violence and predictors of violence are linked to neurological abnormalities in three interconnected brain networks including the salience network, the executive control network, and the default mode network. This paper also reviews findings which demonstrate that mindfulness practices and a related trait, self-compassion, lead to positive changes in the same brain systems and research results that discuss the use of mindfulness practices and self-compassion as interventions to violence. Future research directions and implications of mindfulness practices, brain networks, and violence are discussed. • Violence and predictors of violence are associated with the SN, DMN, and ECN. • Mindfulness and self-compassion are related to changes in the SN, DMN, and ECN. • Mindfulness-based interventions have been shown to reduce violence. • Self-compassion is linked to less violence. • Implications and future directions of this manuscript are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of patients with assault-related sharp force injury has declined in recent years in Scotland. This study aimed to determine the incidence of these injuries over time and to explore their key socio-demographic determinants. Routinely collected coded hospital admission data for the time period 2001–2013 were used to calculate annual incidence rates by age-group, gender, geographical region, and area-based Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation using midyear population estimates. A Poisson regression analysis model was developed including the variables: age-group, gender, year, geographical region, and deprivation quintile. The data were compared with available published crime data. The incidence of sharp force injury showed an ongoing decline between 2001 and 2013. The fall was greatest among young people and in the West of Scotland and mirrored the reduction in weapons and knife related offences. The relative risk of sustaining a sharp force injury was greatest for younger age-groups, among males, and in those resident in the West of Scotland and in areas of socioeconomic deprivation. There already exist a range of violence prevention measures in Scotland, but in order to further reduce the inequality associated with sharp force injury, interventions should be further targeted to working with younger men from deprived communities of Scotland. • Regression based analyses show that the incidence of assault-related sharp force injury in Scotland fell significantly between 2001-2013. • Although the incidence fell most among young people in the West, young males from areas of social deprivation in the West remained most at risk. • From 2001-2014 trends in weapons offences in the West of Scotland mirrored the trend in assault-related sharp force injury • The fall in assault–related sharp force injury was examined in the context of violence reduction measures introduced during that time period. • Targeted interventions are needed to further reduce assault-related sharp force injury among the most at risk groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cognitive neuroscience perspective seeks to understand behavior in terms of dysfunction in cognitive processes underpinned by neural processes. There has been an explosion in cognitive neuroscience work, and neuro-scientific work more generally, on violence over the last 20 years, particularly over the last decade. The paper will articulate a position regarding several forms of functional process, and their neural substrates, that, when dysfunctional, increase the risk for different forms of violence. Implications of this work with respect to the development of individualized assessments and treatments will be briefly considered. • Cognitive neuroscience: understanding behavior by identifying the functional properties of specific neuro-cognitive systems. • Forms of violence recognized by the W.H.O. focus on the targets of the violence: e.g., children or intimate partners. • Forms of neuro-cognitive dysfunction increase the risk of specific forms of violence: instrumental and/or reactive. • Consuming alcohol appears to lead to forms of neuro-cognitive dysfunction that can increase instrumental violence risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Physical and psychological harm as a result of unsanctioned aggression and violence in sport continues to be a cause for concern. This article critically reviews and synthesizes contemporary scientific research on unsanctioned aggression and violence in amateur sport. The authors identify the need to understand violence in amateur sport within its social ecology. The proposed framework sensitizes researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to the multi-level web of interacting influences on unsanctioned aggression and violence in amateur sport, as well as to factors and issues to be considered in relation to the prevention and mitigation of violent behavior in amateur sport. The findings indicate that there is a dearth of studies that analyze the meanings and narratives of aggression and violence created by amateur sports participants themselves. The article proposes that situational approaches and, in particular, the role of bystanders offer promising directions for future research, policy, and practice concerning unsanctioned aggression and violence in amateur sport. Highlights • We examine aggression and violence in amateur sport in its social ecology. • Individual, situational, contextual, and sociocultural influences are analyzed. • Emergent evidence shows the importance of situational factors. • Bystander intervention can inform future research and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Challenging behaviours may sabotage therapeutic relationships if not addressed appropriately. While medication, environmental planning and staffing resources are requisites for the management of challenging behaviour, effective communication is an important aspect in the management of these challenging behaviours including aggression. Good communication helps the patient become an active partner in the process. Staff training that focuses on communication skills can be useful to both patients and healthcare workers. This paper aims to review the research evidence from existing communication skills training programmes that are exclusively or partly focused on the reduction of aggression perpetrated by patients. This review included one randomized controlled trial protocol, one quasi experimental study, six pre-test/post-test designs, three mixed methods, four qualitative studies, one descriptive survey and four with other designs that were mostly conducted in mental health settings. The findings show that communication skills training improve the confidence of staff in dealing with aggression. However, minimal number of studies with a focus on aggression reduction, the quality of the studies in terms of design and lack of active controlled trials minimizes the generalizability of the findings. These findings reiterate the need for future research with a focus on well designed, active controlled studies to establish the effectiveness of communication skills training as a suitable strategy to minimise and prevent patient aggression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The past several years have been a landmark moment for violence prevention, with renewed attention on the part of many international agencies, but especially the United Nations, with its adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development . The latter invites the world community to collaborate in an inclusive, long-ranging vision for the future, highlighting our interdependence and collective responsibility for humanity's future. A growing awareness that preventing violence does not just reduce death and disability but promotes creativity, economic growth, and general well-being is at the heart of this “movement”. In the quest for a better understanding of human violence, interest in the issue has swept through multiple fields. An integration of the major disciplines and practical approaches is therefore timely, and for this to occur, we require a broader overview than just the view from within boundaries of existing domains. In this context, this fifteen article series modeled after a Global Health Studies course entitled, “Violence: Causes and Cures,” has reviewed the causes, consequences, and cures of the problem of violence. While knowledge has brought recognition of the magnitude and pervasiveness of violence, it has also generated insight into the much greater power that humanity possesses. At a time when we are reaching a decisive juncture in human history, with military and economic faculties achieving the ability to destroy our world many times over, we also face the urgent and sober task of integrating all our intellect and insight to best confront this enormous challenge called violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The past several years have been a landmark moment for violence prevention, with renewed attention on the part of many international agencies, but especially the United Nations, with its adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development . The latter invites the world community to collaborate in an inclusive, long-ranging vision for the future, highlighting our interdependence and collective responsibility for humanity's future. A growing awareness that preventing violence does not just reduce death and disability but promotes creativity, economic growth, and general well-being is at the heart of this “movement”. An integration not only of the major disciplines but of various practical approaches is timely, and for this to occur, we require a broader overview of our existing societal structures. In this context, this fifteen article series modeled after a Global Health Studies course entitled, “Violence: Causes and Cures,” reviews the mechanisms that society has used in an attempt to stem violence. Continuing the transition from the “law and order” to the health model, this article examines the power of nonviolence. Contrary to current assumptions, far from being passive or ineffective, nonviolent methods have demonstrated to bring down empires, to topple regimes, and to effectuate long-lasting peace—at greater frequency than violent means. Starting with the personal level, and drawing upon the various spiritual traditions, nonviolence may delve into the depths that are necessary for countering our complex tendency for violence. Nonviolence gives us the lesson that peace is possible, not just by stemming destructive forces, but through fostering constructive ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper offers a historically grounded review of several biologically based developmental theories for serial homicide. Beginning with a discussion that outlines nineteenth-century etiological theories, this article guides its reader through a series of intellectual and scientific developments – all of which have contributed to our current understanding of the etiology of serial homicide. Embedded within this review is a critical examination of how social, methodological, and other such limitations have stalled and prevented the development of a meaningful etiological account for serial homicide. This author offers some direction to help researchers overcome these limitations, and suggests three additional lines of inquiry that may help to illuminate biologically-based developmental trajectories. This paper concludes by reinforcing the need for a transdisciplinary approach when studying violence risk and prevention within this population specifically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The past several years have been a landmark moment for violence prevention, with renewed attention on the part of many international agencies, but especially the United Nations, with its adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development . The latter invites the world community to collaborate in an inclusive, long-ranging vision for the future, highlighting our interdependence and collective responsibility for humanity’s future. A growing awareness that preventing violence does not just reduce death and disability but promotes creativity, economic growth, and general well-being is at the heart of this “movement”. An integration not only of the major disciplines but of various practical approaches is timely, and for this to occur, we require a broader overview of our existing societal structures. In this context, this fifteen article series modeled after a Global Health Studies course entitled, “Violence: Causes and Cures,” reviews the mechanisms that society has used in an attempt to stem violence. The next two articles will briefly cover how, over the past few decades, health sectors have been instrumental in shifting the view of human violence from being a law and order issue to a preventable health problem. Public health paved the way for interdisciplinary research and multisectoral collaboration, providing a critical link between research and implementation. Demonstrating that violence prevention is possible, not as an article of faith but based on evidence, is perhaps one of the greatest achievements in humanity’s effort to deal with its own violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there has been long-standing interest in identifying those factors that have the potential to increase the likelihood of violence, it is only relatively recently that attention has been given to those factors that act in the opposite way, or what are commonly referred to as protective factors. This paper considers the meaning of the term protective factor and how this and similarly termed constructs have been conceptualized and operationalized in violent offender assessment instruments. We discuss the relationship between risk and protective factors and identify a number of conceptual and definitional issues that arise. Finally, we consider the measurement of protective factors as they pertain to their inclusion in contemporary violent offender assessment instruments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protective factors safeguard against undesirable outcomes such as violence, sexual violence and criminal behavior in general. While a growing body of theoretical and empirical literature has identified plausible protective factors and explored their underlying mechanisms and additional value to risk factors, little has been written concerning clinical assessment of protective factors. A challenge faced by clinicians working in correctional and forensic settings is how to translate emerging knowledge into applied approaches to assessment and treatment. The current paper explores the clinical assessment of protective factors. Within often time-pressed legal and clinical practice environments, feasible assessment methods are needed that add value to the current predominantly risk-focused assessment practice. The valid and reliable assessment of protective factors should aid in risk-management decision-making and help inform strengths-based treatment efforts. This paper aims to demonstrate ways to bridge the gap between theoretical and empirical knowledge regarding protective factors and their clinical applicability, and to highlight the added value of assessing protective factors. Several protective factor assessment tools are described and short cases are used to exemplify how consideration of protective factors can enhance clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The past several years have been a landmark moment for violence prevention, with renewed attention on the part of many international agencies, but especially the United Nations, with its adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development . The latter invites the world community to collaborate in an inclusive, long-ranging vision for the future, highlighting our interdependence and collective responsibility for humanity's future. A growing awareness that preventing violence does not just reduce death and disability but promotes creativity, economic growth, and general well-being is at the heart of this “movement”. An integration not only of the major disciplines but of various practical approaches is timely, and for this to occur, we require a broader overview of our existing societal structures. In this context, the remainder of this fifteen article series modeled after a Global Health Studies course entitled, “Violence: Causes and Cures,” will review the mechanisms that society has used in an attempt to stem violence. This article, the eleventh of the series, will briefly cover the history, successes, and challenges of international law. The attempt to internationally arbitrate fields such as human rights, war crimes, international security, the regulation of armed conflict, etc., marks the start of a global effort to reduce violence. A commonly accepted and fair legal forum based on universally agreed upon precedents, international customs and conventions, and effective enforcement would allow for constructive implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The past several years have been a landmark moment for violence prevention, with renewed attention on the part of many international agencies, but especially the United Nations, with its adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development . The latter invites the world community to collaborate in an inclusive, long-ranging vision for the future, highlighting our interdependence and collective responsibility for humanity's future. A growing awareness that preventing violence does not just reduce death and disability but promotes creativity, economic growth, and general well-being is at the heart of this “movement”. An integration not only of the major disciplines but of various practical approaches is timely, and for this to occur, we require a broader overview of our existing societal structures. In this context, the remainder of this fifteen article series after a Global Health Studies course entitled, “Violence: Causes and Cures,” will review the mechanisms that society has used in an attempt to stem violence. This article, the tenth of the series, will briefly cover the criminal justice system in the United States and around the world. While the criminal justice system has played a major role in the effort to reduce violence, we learn that systemic failures and perceived injustices can diminish deterrent effect, while community-based intervention, individualized programs, and alternative justice approaches show greater promise. Similarly, punitive measures such as solitary confinement and the death penalty require reconsideration for reversing trends of self-defeating, irrational practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attitude toward intimate partner violence has been consistently demonstrated as one of the prominent predictors of IPV. Studies have frequently indicated several factors influencing attitude concerning IPV including age, gender, education, residency, economic status, patriarchal gender role and so on. Yet there is surprisingly little research focusing on the relationship of those factors. To promote the understanding of attitude toward IPV, and to contribute to the campaign of IPV-prevention, this study reviewed the factors associated with attitude concerning IPV and concluded that education might be the most crucial one among all the factors, as factors such as age, gender and residency were substantively reflected different education level, and factors as economic status, participating in household decision, ability to access media, and patriarchal gender role were deeply rooted in education. As a result, further research of specific population-based which might offer clearer insight into factors influencing attitude concerning IPV is required, and more effort of government in promoting individual's education level is demanded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The past two years have been a landmark moment for violence prevention, with the publication of The Global Status Report on Violence Prevention 2014 ; a historic resolution on violence by the 67th World Health Assembly; and the release of multiple documents on violence by international and United Nations entities, with a corresponding building of momentum in scholarship. Most notably, in September 2015, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development , addressing the need for violence prevention at an unprecedented scale. In this context, more than ever, violence studies have become a field of its own right. Still, a systematic approach of the topic has been lacking, and no textbook yet synthesizes the knowledge of multiple disciplines toward a cogent understanding. This article is the seventh of a series of fifteen articles that will cover, as an example, an outline of the Global Health Studies course entitled, “Violence: Causes and Cures,” reviewing the major bio-psycho-social and structural-environmental perspectives on violence. Structural violence refers to a form of violence wherein social structures or social institutions harm people by preventing them from meeting their basic needs. Although less visible, it is greater in scope and in implication than another type of violence and might include health, economic, gender, and racial disparities. The concepts behind structural violence can help guide a program for violence prevention that incorporates the notion of positive peace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing legislative interventions to address firearm misuse is an issue of considerable public policy interest across many countries. However, systematic reviews of evidence about the efficacy of legislative change in reducing lethal firearm violence have only considered research examining the United States of America, a country that is unique among developed nations in its approach to firearm ownership. To inform international policy development, there is a need to consider other countries' experiences with gun law amendments. The current study used systematic literature search methods to identify evaluation-focused studies examining the impacts of legislative reform on firearm homicide in Australia, a country that made significant changes to its gun laws in the mid-1990s. Five studies met the inclusion criteria. These examined various different time periods, and used a range of different statistical analysis methods. No study found statistical evidence of any significant impact of the legislative changes on firearm homicide rates. The strengths and limitations of each study are discussed. Findings from this review provide insights into strategies and policies that may, and may not, be effective for reducing lethal firearm violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The past two years have been a landmark moment for violence prevention, with the publication of The Global Status Report on Violence Prevention 2014 ; a historic resolution on violence by the 67th World Health Assembly; and the release of multiple documents on violence by international and United Nations entities, with a corresponding building of momentum in scholarship. Most notably, in September 2015, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development , addressing the need for violence prevention at an unprecedented scale. In this context, more than ever, violence studies have become a field of its own right. Still, a systematic approach of the topic has been lacking, and no textbook yet synthesizes the knowledge of multiple disciplines toward a cogent understanding. This article is the sixth of a series of fifteen articles that will cover, as an example, an outline of the Global Health Studies course entitled, “Violence: Causes and Cures,” reviewing the major bio-psycho-social and structural–environmental perspectives on violence. Political and economic forces have become potent contributors to human behavior and societal organization, such that we cannot leave them out in any analysis of violence. While a major contribution of political science has been to bring together scholars of different fields, economics has endeavored to bring about a coherent theory for the link between income measures and conflict or behavioral violence. These fields thus provide useful insight into the causes and consequences of violence as well as, in many cases, their solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Batterer intervention programs are mostly failing to protect victims of intimate partner violence; yet, there is a dearth of research that examines the treatment intervention as a predictor for program dropout. A systematic review of offenders' attrition and recidivism rates throughout the literature found that current interventions typically mandated by criminal justice policymakers, like the Duluth Model and Cognitive Behavior Therapy, are largely ineffective for perpetrators of all racial/ethnic groups. However, they are particularly problematic for Black males who are disproportionately remanded to treatment and more likely to drop out, which elevates their risk of reoffending at increased lethality. Current interventions account for patriarchy; however, there is a fundamental mismatch, specifically since the interlocking nature of systemic racism, along with its societal effects that include social, political and economic inequality that Black males dually experience are largely ignored. Unfortunately, there is a dearth of strengths-based intervention models, like Goal Setting, to account for their needs. Although limited, available research reflects promising outcomes and may point toward developing more strengths-based interventions. Fixing the batterer system is critical to reducing intimate partner violence, particularly since Black women are murdered by their intimate partner at rates that parallel Black males' program dropout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The past two years have been a landmark moment for violence prevention, with the publication of The Global Status Report on Violence Prevention 2014 ; a historic resolution on violence by the 67th World Health Assembly; and the release of multiple documents on violence by international and United Nations entities, with a corresponding building of momentum in scholarship. Most notably, in September 2015, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development , addressing the need for violence prevention at an unprecedented scale. In this context, more than ever, violence studies have become a field of its own right. Still, a systematic approach of the topic has been lacking, and no textbook yet synthesizes the knowledge of multiple disciplines toward a cogent understanding. This article is the fourth of a series of fifteen articles that will cover, as an example, an outline of the Global Health Studies course entitled, “Violence: Causes and Cures,” reviewing the major bio-psycho-social and structural–environmental perspectives on violence. It discusses the symbolic nature of human actions, as studied through semiotics among other fields, and the reasons why religion, art, and iconography can become potent arenas for violent expression. Violence points to the most poignant aspects of human existence, which center around love and its consequences: emotional vitality (“spirit”) and a cognitive sense of importance (“meaning”). These characteristics can, in turn, facilitate creativity, compassion, and resilience in the face of crisis, which are powerful mitigators of violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The past 2 years have been a landmark moment for violence prevention, with the publication of The Global Status Report on Violence Prevention 2014 , a historic resolution on violence by the 67th World Health Assembly, and the release of multiple documents on violence by international and United Nations entities, with a corresponding building of momentum in scholarship. Most notably, in September 2015, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development , addressing the need for violence prevention at an unprecedented scale. In this context, more than ever, violence studies have become a field of its own right. Still, a systematic approach to the topic is lacking, and no textbook yet synthesizes the knowledge of multiple disciplines toward a cogent understanding. This article is the third of a series that will cover an outline for summarizing the major bio-psycho-social and structural–environmental perspectives on violence. It discusses the complexity of the mind that can give rise to paradoxes and hidden perceptions and how psychology can elucidate them, especially with respect to human violence. It criticizes psychology's reductionism into neuroscience or behaviorism, or the useful but surface interpretations of cognitivism, while highlighting the strengths of psychodynamic theory in dealing with the depths of emotional life. While limiting the scope to intrapsychic events can be a drawback, these dynamics can help explain clinical features of trauma and resilience and how these can predispose or protect from violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review analyzes neuropsychology, psychophysiology, and neuroimaging studies that examine the neuropsychological functioning and the nervous system (central and peripheral) of male batterers. Previous research has attempted to establish a neuropsychological profile for batterers. Yet factors such as brain injury, drug abuse antecedents, and other methodological concerns (e.g., sample size, control group selection, education level, socio-economic status, ethnicity, variability of the specific neuropsychological measures, and constructs assessed) may have led to inconsistent results. Neuropsychological studies reveal that poor performance on tests of executive functioning, verbal skills, and vocabulary is the most frequently reported characteristic for these men. With regard to research on the central and peripheral nervous system, these results should be considered with caution due to the small number of studies conducted on this topic. Therefore, the neuroscientific approach may be utilized in future studies to provide a better account of batterer typologies, the individualization of therapeutic approaches, and the prediction of recidivism. In summary, advancing our understanding of the mind and brain functioning of male batterers may aid in the prediction and reduction of violence against women in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The past 2 years have been a landmark moment for violence prevention, with the publication of The Global Status Report on Violence Prevention 2014 , a historic resolution on violence by the 67th World Health Assembly, and the release of multiple documents on violence by international and United Nations entities, with a corresponding building of momentum in scholarship. Most notably, in September 2015, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development , addressing the need for violence prevention at an unprecedented scale. In this context, more than ever, violence studies have become a field of its own right. Still, a systematic approach to the topic is lacking, and no textbook yet synthesizes the knowledge of multiple disciplines toward a cogent understanding. This article is the second of a series that will cover an outline for summarizing the major bio-psycho-social and structural–environmental perspectives on violence. It discusses the major assumptions that have held back advances in a biological understanding of human violence, such as reductionism. It reviews biologically useful distinctions between aggression and violence, as well as the relationship between mental illness and violence. Recent advances in the neurosciences, such as neuroplasticity and epigenetics, show that the biological cannot be separated from the psychological, social, and environmental, such that a merging of the fields is necessary for an understanding of a phenomenon as complex as human violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The past 2 years have been a landmark moment for violence prevention, with the publication of The Global Status Report on Violence Prevention 2014 ; a historic resolution on violence by the 67th World Health Assembly; and the release of multiple documents on violence by international and United Nations entities, with a corresponding building of momentum in scholarship. Most notably, in September 2015, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development , addressing the need for violence prevention at an unprecedented scale. In this context, more than ever, violence studies have become a field of its own right. Still, a systematic approach of the topic has been lacking, and no textbook yet synthesizes the knowledge of multiple disciplines toward a cogent understanding. This article is the first of a series of fifteen articles that will cover, as an example, an outline of the Global Health Studies course entitled, “Violence: Causes and Cures,” reviewing the major bio-psycho-social and structural-environmental perspectives on violence. Until recently, most discourses, academic or public, relied on a very narrow definition of violence, and little consensus existed as to how to properly measure and compare concepts across fields. This article attempts to correct this situation through a new definition and, in so doing, aims to make a pragmatic as well as a theoretical contribution to the relatively new field of violence studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This meta-analysis sought to investigate the effectiveness of CBT based anger management interventions on reducing recidivism amongst adult male offenders. Studies were selected after a bibliographic database search, a hand-search of references from similar studies and an electronic search on apposite Correctional websites. The outcome measures of interest were general and violent recidivism rates. These were considered to be evidence of long term behavioral change. Studies that included appropriate data were analysed using risk ratio analysis. The analysis of the effect of exposure to CBT based treatment on general recidivism showed an overall effect of 0.77, indicating a risk reduction of 23%, whereas the overall effect on violent recidivism was 0.72, indicating a risk reduction of 28%. The meta-analysis also explored the effects of treatment completion in comparison to attrition groups. The effects of treatment completion on general recidivism through risk ratios was 0.58, indicating a 42% risk reduction. For violent recidivism, the risk ratio was 0.44, indicating a 56% risk reduction. Subgroup analysis based on the treatment modality and the analysis of the risk of bias carried out on the selected studies was conducted to explore the significant heterogeneity noted in the results. Overall, anger management appeared to be effective in reducing the risk of recidivism, especially violent recidivism. Moderate-intensity anger management were associated with larger effect than the high-intensity correctional programs for violence reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Record reviews of public figure, primary/secondary school, and workplace threateners and attackers displayed the importance of noticing pre-incident behaviors and intervening to prevent violence. General crime prevention strategies did not appear applicable. Similarly, campus threat assessment research has considered targeted violence as distinctive and unable to be reviewed within general collegiate samples, which has related to questions about the prevalence, predictiveness, applicability, and reporting of pre-incident behaviors. This article applies general criminological and crime prevention findings to these questions and presents campus threat assessment methodologies informed by these fields. With college student surveys, pre-incident behaviors have appeared predictive of general physical assault, which promotes investigation of the generalizability of campus threat assessment across collegiate bullying, intimate partner, stalking, and workplace violence concerns. In college student surveys, the majority of observed pre-incident behavior has not been reported to campus authorities and has been impacted by students' personal victimization, assessment of dangerousness, and relationship with the perpetrator. Efforts to enhance reporting in general criminological and crime prevention fields could be applied to improving pre-incident authority notification. Thus, viewing campus threat assessment within the broader violence prevention framework can advance the efficiency, effectiveness, and applicability of the approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the violence of war is well-known, members of the United States military also struggle with domestic violence, including intimate partner violence and child abuse and neglect. The prevalence of domestic violence is not necessarily higher in the military than in the general population. However, military domestic violence does occur under institutional and cultural conditions quite different from civilian life. Further, service members are at elevated risk for health dysfunctions that can contribute to violence. The current review delineates how domestic violence in the military may be reduced by Alternatives to Violence Project, a widely used, community-based training program in conflict resolution. Specifically, we suggest Alternatives to Violence Project facilitates space to learn interpersonal skills and engage in creative discussions about the stresses and cultural norms that contribute to domestic violence in the military. As Alternatives to Violence Project and similar training does not change the stressors of military life, nor has extensive research documented its impact on violence, additional work is needed. This manuscript represents a first step toward situating conflict resolution in a framework for military domestic violence reduction, showing the potentials and limitations of Alternatives to Violence Project and making recommendations for future research and interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychopathy is an early-appearing risk factor for severe and chronic violence. The violence largely attributable to psychopathy constitutes a substantial portion of the societal burden to the public health and criminal justice systems, and thus necessitates significant attention from prevention experts. Yet, despite a vast base of research in psychology and criminology, the public health approach to violence has generally neglected to consider this key variable. Fundamentally, the public health approach to violence prevention is focused on achieving change at the population level to provide the most benefit to the maximum number of people. Increasing attention to the individual-level factor of psychopathy in public health could improve our ability to reduce violence at the community and societal levels. We conclude that the research literature on psychopathy points to a pressing need for a broad-based public health approach with a focus on primary prevention. Further, we consider how measuring psychopathy in public health research may benefit violence prevention, and ultimately society, in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Masculine gender role stress (MGRS) has been linked to violence against women and gay men, although the current literature isolates these groups. Synthesizing literature about violence and MGRS, this review demonstrates how MGRS is used to control people perceived by the perpetrator as feminine. This critique may be useful to professionals implementing anti-violence interventions or working with males struggling with gender role stress. We included peer-reviewed articles (n = 20) that measured MGRS, were conducted in the U.S., and sampled males. MGRS was related to past aggression towards women and gay men. The literature about violence against women showed that high-MGRS males were more likely than low-MGRS males to endorse intimate partner violence when their masculinity was threatened, endorse anti-femininity norms, exhibit maladaptive attachment styles, and adhere to rigid gender norms. The literature examining violence towards gay men showed that high-MGRS males were more likely than low-MGRS males to endorse anti-femininity, anger, and past violence towards gay men. A limitation is not sampling diverse males; a strength is consistent measurement. It is concluded that significant effort needs to be done in developing interventions about MGRS and violence. Future studies should sample diverse males and develop anti-violence interventions directed towards high-MGRS males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article summarizes the results from a Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) to identify effective cross-sector, multi-agency urban youth firearms violence reduction strategies. Of the 129 studies identified through the systematic REA process, published from 1996–2013, 11 eligible studies met the inclusion criteria. Ten of these studies indicated sizable reductions in violence as measured by fatalities, gang-involved homicides, or shootings. Recommendations for violence reduction strategies and implications for future gun violence research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past decades, reductions of hospital beds and lengths of stay in general psychiatry are opposed to increases in detention cases and times in forensic psychiatric institutions. These developments raise the issue of trans-institutionalization of patient subgroups, whose particular needs of support are less accommodated by rationalized general psychiatry. While forensic psychiatric aftercare with a focus on risk assessment and assertive treatment has been largely established, preventive care of high-risk psychiatric patients to avert delinquency, compulsory hospitalization, or forensic courses has not yet been developed. Three outpatient studies addressing these issues have been conceptualized independently and were initiated in Germany and Switzerland. All three have similar study endpoints regarding incidence of violence, delinquency, compulsory hospitalization, and forensific sequelae. However, designs and methods differ with regard to inclusion criteria, assessment methods, foci of interventions, modes of delivering care, degrees of assertiveness, and times of follow-up. By the time of study completions, it can be expected that the joined information from all three studies will allow for a comprehensive appraisal of preventive treatment strategies and approaches in high-risk patients. In this paper, the study designs and methods of the three trials are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing an offender's risk level is important given the impact of criminal behavior on victims, the consequences for the offender, and for society more generally. A wide range of assessment tools have been developed to assess risk in offenders. However, the validity of such tools for female offenders has been questioned. We present a systematic literature review of studies examining the accuracy with which risk assessment tools can predict violence and recidivism in female offenders. Five databases were searched, reference lists of relevant publications were hand searched, and an online search engine was used to identify studies. Fifteen studies were subject to review which evaluated nine risk assessment instruments (COMPAS, CAT-SR, HCR-20, LSI, PLC-R, OGRS, RISc, RM2000V, VRAG). The quality of these studies was systematically examined using a detailed quality assessment. The review findings indicate that the most effective tool for assessing both violence and recidivism in women was the LSI. There was variability in the quality scores obtained, with studies limited by measurement issues and standards of reporting results. Future research should aim to improve the quality of studies in this area, assess predictive accuracy across subtypes of female offenders, and compare correctional and psychiatric samples independently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, a growing number of studies have documented the prevalence of violence against children as well as its consequences. Across every country and cultural context in which research have been conducted, studies have consistently shown that exposure to violence negatively impacts the health and well-being of children, and hampers their development. Many actors have worked to implement programs aimed at addressing this problem, and some, in particular parenting programs, have shown promise as a means of effectively reducing child maltreatment. It is essential, however, to take an integrated approach in settings where fundamental concerns exist over the provisioning of basic health and nutritional needs as well as adequate stimulation. The childs experiences during these early years are critical for their future developmental trajectory and life course. Additional program components, generally implemented as part of early child development programs, are indispensable for ensuring the healthy development of the child. This position paper takes a global perspective in summarizing the key literature and approaches from both violence prevention and early child development, outlines common objectives shared by the two fields, and demonstrates the urgent necessity for holistic cooperation across the two fields. It concludes by suggesting approaches and priorities for better integration to ensure that all children can reach their full potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Families can be one of the most protective forces in the lives of children and youth. Family skills interventions have been found to be effective in encouraging safe and nurturing relationships between parents (or caregivers) and children in their early years and as such preventing many problem behaviours including violence. Most of the evidence in this regards is generated from high income countries. In this article UNODC reports on variables associated with violence (including conduct problems, stress management, pro-social behaviours, family aggression and conflict) generated from a multisite project aimed at piloting family skills programmes in low and middle income countries. The countries of concern are Panama, Honduras, Guatemala, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The family skills piloted were Strengthening the Families Programme 10-14 (SFP 10-14) and Families And Schools Together (FAST). The data generated indicates high level of replicability with fidelity, affinity and need for such programmes in low and middle income countries with very encouraging in preventing violence. Significant changes at the post-test level, assessed through multi-sources, were recorded across most of the violence indicators assessed related to youth violence and child maltreatment at least on a comparable level to high-income countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Youth gang-related violence is a public health concern in Glasgow. The Community Initiative to Reduce Violence aims to address physical violence and weapon carriage among gang-related youths in a deprived area of Glasgow. It offers access to diversionary activity, personal development, and employment preparedness in exchange for adherence to a “no violence, no weapon” pledge. A preliminary post hoc before-and-after quasi-experimental design compared rates of criminal offending (including violent and non-violent offenses) for the 167 male youths (aged 16–29) who engaged with the initiative with data for one or two years follow-up for age-matched gang-involved youths from an equally deprived area of the city. Violent offending reduced across all groups over the time of the study. In the cohort followed for 2-years the rate reduction was greater in the intervention group (52%) than the comparison group (29%). The reduction in the rate of physical violence was not significantly different between the intervention group and the comparison group; however, the rate of weapons carrying was reduced more in the intervention group than the comparison group (84% vs 40% respectively in the 2-year follow-up cohort). The study suggests that adopting a public health approach with gang-related youth was associated with reduced weapon carriage, which can prevent consequences for victims, offenders, and society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]