Activity Description
Violence—for example, child abuse, intimate partner violence, elder abuse, sexual violence, gang violence, and suicide—is a major public health problem worldwide. In 2001, violence accounted for 45 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost, with low- and middle-income countries bearing the largest burden. But violence can be prevented. The IOM's Forum on Global Violence Prevention will work to reduce violence worldwide by promoting research on both protective and risk factors and encouraging evidence-based prevention efforts. The Forum aims to facilitate dialogue and exchange by bringing together experts from all areas of violence prevention, including behavioral scientists, policy makers, criminal justice professionals, social service providers, economists, legal experts, journalists, philanthropists, faith-based organizations, corporate social responsibility officers, among others.
As part of its overall goal to reduce the burden of violence and promote the healthy development of individuals and communities, the Forum will:
- Provide an ongoing, regular, evidence-based, impartial setting for the multidisciplinary exchange of information and ideas concerning violence prevention;
- Illuminate policy, research, and practice priorities worthy of further study or investment; and
- Gather information on the scientific basis and public health needs pertinent to global violence prevention.
Following the momentum of the mPreventViolence Workshop and in partnership with Forum Sponsor, the Avon Foundation for Women, the IOM is holding the Ending Violence @ Home App Challenge. Visit the challenge homepage for more information.