What does a comprehensive approach to violence prevention include?

A comprehensive approach to violence prevention encompasses multiple strategies that address various risk factors while simultaneously promoting protective factors. This approach recognizes that violence is a multifaceted issue influenced by a range of social, economic, and environmental factors. Therefore, it relies on a combination of interventions that can include education, community engagement, policy advocacy, mental health services, and support for families, among others.

This diversity in strategies ensures that prevention efforts are not one-dimensional and instead tackle the root causes of violence. By promoting protective factors—such as strong family connections, supportive peer relationships, and community cohesion—alongside addressing risk factors like poverty, substance abuse, and exposure to violence, a comprehensive approach aims to create a more holistic and effective prevention strategy.

Other options are limited in scope, either focusing too narrowly on a single method or excluding important aspects of the collaborative work necessary for effective prevention.