Prevention of Domestic Violence During Adolescence

For the most part, the response to domestic violence has been one of crisis management. While crisis management is important, so too are prevention approaches. One way of preventing domestic violence is to promote attitudes and behaviors that are incompatible with violence and abuse, and that encourage the formation of healthy, nonviolent relationships. This paradigm shift is important. If attention and resources are primarily focused on the occurrence of undesirable behavior, such as identified acts of violence, then prevention efforts are usually directed toward identification, control and punishment. However, if the goal is the promotion of healthy, nonviolent relationships, then attention and resources are more likely to be directed toward establishing and building trust, respecting others' thoughts and expressions, and encouraging and supporting growth in relationships. This article discusses prevention and health promotion efforts which can be implemented in the school or community.