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Assault as a public health problem: discussion paper
1Department of Oral Surgery, Medicine and Pathology, University of Wales College of Medicine, Dental School, Heath Park, Cardiff.
Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine
|February 1, 1993
Summary
Effective prevention of interpersonal violence requires collaboration between public health and criminal justice professionals. Coordinated efforts and systematic data collection are crucial for identifying risk factors and implementing interventions to reduce injury and its long-term consequences.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Criminology
Background:
- Interpersonal violence is a growing cause of death, disability, and reduced quality of life.
- Poverty is closely linked to high rates of intentional injury and illness.
- Adult assault prevention and management are not yet established as community health issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To advocate for formal collaboration between public health and criminal justice sectors.
- To emphasize the need for systematic data collection and epidemiological research on violence.
- To highlight the importance of evaluating prevention programs in emergency departments and communities.
Main Methods:
- Systematic organization of computerized record-keeping in A&E (Accident and Emergency) departments for injury data.
- Integration of A&E data with police records and national crime surveys for comprehensive analysis.
- Epidemiological research to identify risk groups and establish causal inferences for violence.
Main Results:
- Criminal injury significantly contributes to long-term handicap and mortality.
- Violence, particularly among young urban males, leads to prolonged incapacity and diminished quality of life.
- Poverty exacerbates the risk and impact of intentional injuries.
Conclusions:
- Formal collaboration between epidemiologists, medical professionals, criminologists, and law enforcement is essential for coordinated violence prevention.
- Computerized injury surveillance systems are vital for data comparison and research.
- Investment in epidemiological research and prevention programs is necessary to address the public health burden of interpersonal violence.