“Violence prevention begins in the high chair, not the electric chair.”- Rob Reiner
Violence occurs at an alarmingly high rate in our society, and affects young children deeply. Children who are exposed to violence are at increased risk for disrupted physical, emotional and cognitive development, as well as long-term deleterious effects such as school failure, difficulty maintaining healthy relationships, being re-victimized, and perpetrating violent acts later in life. This presentation will describe the link between the fields of violence prevention and child development, and present strategies for preventing violence and promoting healthy development. It is important that maternal and child health practitioners understand these linkages, and the importance of starting violence prevention activities earlier, as well as be familiar with violence prevention strategies for young children. MCH staff play an important role in the forging of local policy, and practitioners who are well educated about this issue can advocate for primary prevention strategies and policies to promote quality child development and reduce or eliminate violence. They can also ensure that existing violence prevention efforts include young children and family support strategies.
Learning Objectives: Participants will: 1) Gain a better understanding of the link between child development and violence prevention; 2) Understand the need to start violence prevention efforts earlier; 3) Become familiar with policies and strategies for preventing violence and promoting healthy child development; 4) Understand the role of MCH practitioners in these efforts; 5) Become familiar with tools such as the Spectrum of Prevention to help realize these goals.
Keywords: Violence Prevention, Child Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.