301.627.01 UNDERSTANDING AND PREVENTING VIOLENCE

Explores the role of public health in reducing violence and associated injuries. Focuses on factors that contribute to interpersonal violence, policy issues relevant to violence and violence prevention, and approaches to violence prevention and their effectiveness. Topics include the epidemiology of violence; biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors related to violence; intimate partner violence; the role of alcohol and other drugs; firearms policy; behavioral approaches to violence prevention; and community efforts to prevent violence.

Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to: Identify societal, neighborhood, family, situational, and individual (biological and psychological) factors influence the likelihood and severity of violence. Explain how and why these factors influence the likelihood or severity of violence, drawing upon existing theories. Appropriately apply public health methods, strategies, and paradigms to the problem of violence and its prevention. Identify strengths and weaknesses of policies and programs intended to reduce violence.