The role of public health in the primary prevention of interpersonal violence: A systematic review of international frameworks

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a surge of interest in violence as a public health issue. Preventing violence before it occurs and developing effective response strategies are key to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and improving health and well-being. This systematic scoping review explores the role of public health frameworks in the primary prevention of interpersonal violence. A systematic literature search was undertaken to identify frameworks from both academic and grey literature. Extracted records (n = 17) were thematically analyzed to explore themes, divergences, and theoretical underpinnings. Most frameworks were published in the last decade by national and international public health bodies. The majority were from high-income countries and explored a range of interpersonal violence types. Nine themes were identified, which provide opportunities for violence prevention across the socio-ecological model, including: families, caregivers, and early years; early identification and support; schools, education, and skill development; safe community environments; safe activities and trusted adults; social norms and values; empowerment and equality; policy and legislation; and poverty reduction. These frameworks evidence the leadership role played by public health in the development and implementation of the primary prevention of violence. However, to effectively embed a public health approach, the review identified several areas which warrant further attention. These included redressing disparities in evidence, particularly from low income countries; building the evidence base for addressing community and structural determinants of violence such as gender, poverty, and inequality; and investing in research which explores the implementation of primary prevention approaches.