Violence

Violence refers to the intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual, that can cause or inflict injury, death, psychological harm, or deprivation. It encompasses both acts of harm and coercive actions that deny rights or autonomy. Scholars distinguish between physical violence, sexual violence, psychological or emotional violence, economic or material violence, and structural or institutional violence, as well as collective violence in conflicts or organized crime.

Violence can be interpersonal, such as domestic violence or assault, or collective, as in war, coercive control by institutions, or systemic discrimination. It may occur in private life, public spaces, workplaces, or online.

Causes are multifactorial, including individual factors (history of trauma, substance use), relational factors (family dynamics), community environment (poverty, neighborhood violence), and societal factors (cultural norms, gender inequality, weak institutions). Risk increases where access to weapons is high, where social inclusion is limited, or where conflict and inequality persist.

Impacts are broad: physical injuries, disability, wounds, mental health disorders, economic costs, disrupted education, and intergenerational effects. Violence affects not only victims but families and communities and can perpetuate cycles of fear and poverty. Measurement relies on surveys, administrative records, and health data; indicators include homicide rates, reported abuse, and conflict-related casualties.

Prevention and response combine legal measures (criminalization, protective laws), public health strategies (surveillance, community programs, mental health services), education and economic development, conflict resolution, and strong institutions. International organizations provide frameworks and data to guide policy and intervention.