Violence is intentional harm caused to another person through the use of threats or physical assault. Although some demographic groups are more vulnerable than others, violence causes death or emotional or physical harm to men, women, and children of all ages, races, ethnicities, and religions across communities and cultures. Violence prevention must include stakeholders from multiple disciplines and sectors.

This discussion paper, cowritten by Anthony Petrosino, Senior Research Associate at WestEd, identifies the progress made in using evidence-based violence prevention programs and discusses how evidence is translated into effective community-based programs.

The following critical strategies for closing the gap between evidence and implementation are also presented:

  • Finding the evidence and proven approaches
  • Linking evidence and implementation
  • Adapting evidence-based approaches to new or different contexts
  • Significance of the policy context
  • Sustainability
  • Resources for research and implementation