Safer Communities are Healthier Communities: A Statewide Needs Assessment on Violence and Abuse in Hawai'i

Background/Purpose: Violence and abuse are major public health problems that impact the health of our communities; however, prevention efforts are often lost among sectors as to whose purview they fall. This study conducted a needs assessment of statewide efforts in violence prevention for the Hawai‘i Injury Prevention Plan (HIPP), the state strategic plan for collaborative action and policy planning in injury and violence prevention. Methods: Qualitative and quantitative data were collected through interviews (n=22) and online surveys (n=149) on organization/agency, use of evidence- or culturally-based programs, areas addressed, use of data, evaluation of programs, type/nature of collaborations, and perceptions of progress in previous HIPP recommendations. Results: The majority reported using evidence- (44%) or culturally-based (57%) programming, and some type of evaluation (51%). Child abuse (52%), intimate partner violence (46%), and teen dating violence (44%) were most commonly addressed. Most respondents said they partner with local and national organizations, at least on an informal basis. The most progress was seen in increasing collaboration (44%), and the least in developing full-service schools (26%). Over 40% felt that the greatest impact could be made in the next five years through social/educational policies. Discussion/Conclusions: Recommendations were shared and vetted by stakeholders: 1) Raise awareness; 2) Enhance capacity; 3) Conduct research and coordinate data collection efforts; and 4) Integrate efforts statewide. Various efforts are underway to utilize recommendations to move the violence/abuse prevention agenda forward. These recommendations cut across the range of violence prevention initiatives and disciplines and may inform efforts in other States.