Download Read an abridged version of the violence statement here.

Introduction
The Faculty of Public Health today published its statement on the profession's role in
violence prevention.
Violence is similar to infectious diseases – it is learned/passed from one generation
to the other; from one community to the next.
As the Faculty of Public Health's statement on violence prevention sets out, the
profession can help to reduce the prevalence of violence by building support for
policies and services that act as an inoculation against violence. Public health
professionals can help break that cycle.
In England and Wales there are 2.5 million violent incidents a year, costing the NHS
around £3 billion.
It is estimated that 900,000 people experienced domestic abuse from a partner in
England and Wales in 2011.
Public health’s role and policies/services to prevent/ameliorate the impact of
violence
The key role of the public health profession around violence is preventing it. Public
health in the UK has a leadership role in partnerships to prevent violence such as
domestic violence, child abuse and street/pub violence.
This includes interrupting the cycle of violence and changing attitudes so it is seen
as unacceptable.
Health promotion is peace promotion: reducing inequalities reduces the root causes
of much violent conflict.
In western countries there is a strong evidence base around how violence can be
prevented. Policymakers should use that evidence to shape policies, services and
investment decisions.
Evidence shows that those exposed to abuse, neglect and stress in childhood
(adverse childhood experiences) are more likely to turn to violence. We need action
to stop children being neglected or witnessing or experiencing violence – with most
focus on deprived communities where need is greatest.
The government, local authorities and their partners should invest in services that
are shown to reduce or prevent violence – such as parenting classes, early years
interventions and alcohol misuse treatment.
Taking action to prevent violence is cost-effective. An economic evaluation in Cardiff
found that when public bodies shared information about the risk of violence there
were cost savings for the health service and the criminal justice system.
Information sharing between agencies can help reduce or prevent violence –
particularly in relation to safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults and in
reducing alcohol-related public violence.
New learning from public mental health, brain science and psychology should shape
our responses to violence – rather than basing our responses on the traditional
victim-perpetrator-rescuer relationships. The current approach, which is the default
position in response to violence against women and children in particular, only
succeeds in rendering the victim dependent and gives the perpetrator more enemies
to fight.
Evidence shows a strong link between inequality and violence: public health
professionals can help prevent violence by tackling it at its roots - promoting policies
and services that reduce inequality and deprivation.
Alcohol is clearly linked to violence so governments should introduce measures such
as minimum unit pricing to reduce the impact.
The Faculty of Public Health is reviewing our educational materials on violence for
our curriculum and we plan to accredit relevant interdisciplinary resources and
courses about violence as a public health problem.
A public health approach to violence prevention involves measuring violence-related
health needs, identifying the root causes and possible solutions, making the case for
effective interventions and building partnerships to prevent or reduce the harm that
violence does.
It is important to record the health impact of events such as terrorist attacks or mass
shootings – for example a study revealed the psychological resilience of Londoners
after the 7/7 bombings.
The UK should abide by the recent World Health Assembly resolution, which it
signed, on addressing violence. This requires nations to ensure their health system
works with other sectors such as education, justice and women’s affairs to develop a
comprehensive response to personal violence – particularly against women and
children.
Survivors of domestic or child abuse are more likely to have mental health problems,
addiction and interaction with the criminal justice system. These services should be
equipped to help these individuals recover from the long-term impact of violence.
Terrorism in the UK
Public health infrastructure in the UK needs to be stronger so it can help reduce the
risk and impact of terrorism – including biological or chemical attacks. This means
investment in workforce, laboratories and information systems.
Public health professionals need to be educated and informed to identify, respond to
and minimise the health impact of terrorism. They need to ensure roles are clear and
that public health agencies, law enforcement and first responders understand what
actions are needed and the relationships involved.
Public health systems and professionals must be mobilised effectively in response to
violent conflicts. They have responsibilities around access to vaccines and
medication, protection of food and the water supply and the health and safety of
rescue teams.
They also have a role in assessing and improving the mental health needs of
populations directly or indirectly affected by violence or terror threats.
International
Public health professionals should promote sustainable development to enhance
resilience in the event of violence
Public health is neutral territory in which enemies can come together. We will offer
relevant expertise in health protection, public mental health, analytical support and
partnership development. We’ll use our expertise to try to support networking and
partnership approaches in conflict zones.
The profession must speak out where there is injustice or equity in accessing
healthcare due to conflict.