violenze

Violenze, or violence, refers to the intentional use of physical force or power, actual or threatened, that causes or is likely to cause injury, death, or psychological harm. It encompasses a wide range of acts and contexts and is categorized into physical, sexual, psychological, economic, neglect, and structural or institutional violence. Collective violence includes war, organized crime, and terrorism.

Causes are multifaceted, spanning individual, relationship, community, and societal levels. Individual risk can include a history of exposure to violence; relationship dynamics such as coercive control; community norms and exposure to violence; and structural factors like gender inequality, poverty, discrimination, and weak institutions. Protective factors include education, economic opportunities, and norms against violence.

Impacts include injuries and death, mental health disorders, impaired development, and chronic health problems, along with economic costs and intergenerational effects. Violence disrupts education, work, and social cohesion and contributes to cycles of abuse.

Policy responses combine legal measures, health and social services, education, and economic empowerment. International frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals aim to reduce violence, with targets addressing violence against women and against children, and broader efforts to promote safety and justice worldwide.