Violence generates violence

WHO Regional Office for Europe

Violence risks to be seen as an acceptable means of resolving problems and exerting power if witnessed or experienced early in life.

Studies indicate, for example, that being physically or sexually abused may condition adolescents to become the main perpetrators of violence on peer and young children. This often takes the form of bullying . The UK national report on violence and health highlights that between a third and a quarter of abusive sexual acts against children are perpetrated by teenagers .

Homicide and non-fatal assaults involving young people contribute greatly to the burden of premature deaths, injury and disability. Not to talk of the individual suffering, the economic and societal costs.

Youth violence is one of the most visible forms of violence in a society, though its causes still tend to be overlooked. Understanding the factors that increase the risk of young people to become the actors of violence is essential for developing effective policies and programmes to prevent violence. Schools can play an important role on this.

The European Network of Health Promoting Schools (ENHPS), supported by the Council of Europe, the European Commission and the WHO Regional Office for Europe, focus on the young person, seen as an individual within a dynamic environment. This approach creates a highly supportive social setting in the school that positively influences the values and actions of the individual, thus contributing to the wellbeing of the society at large.

For more information, contact:

WHO

Cristiana Salvi

Technical Officer for Communication and Advocacy

WHO Regional Office for Europe

European Centre for Environment and Health

Rome , Italy

Tel.: +39 06 4877543. Fax: +39 06 4877599. Mobile : +39 348 0192305

E-mail: csa@ecr.euro.who.int

Web site: http://www.euro.who.int or http://www.euro.who.int/violenceinjury

Press release: Word

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