In order to achieve a world free from intimate partner violence, we must prevent violence from happening in the first place.

prevent [pri-VENT]

noun (used with object)

  • to keep from occurring; avert; hinder
  • to hinder or stop from doing something

prevention [pri-VEN-shuhn]

noun

  • the act of preventing; effectual hindrance

Prevention is Multi-Tiered

Ending intimate partner violence is part of MNADV’s vision of a Maryland where there is no place for violence. Prevention efforts are key to achieving this goal. Prevention is a multi-tiered effort.

Types of Prevention

Intervening before intimate partner violence occurs. Includes methods such as building healthy relationships and engaging men and boys.

Intervening after intimate partner violence has occurred to ensure it does not happen again. Includes practices such as counseling, crisis intervention, legal remedies, and shelter.

Intervening by continuing to provide support to victims and accountability for offenders. Includes efforts like support groups and abuser intervention programs like the Maryland Abuse Intervention Collaborative.

Models for Prevention

The Socio-Ecological Model

The Socio-Ecological Model provides a 4-step approach towards preventing violence by examining individual, relationship, community, and societal factors contributing to violence. The following explanations come from the Centers for Disease Control, which considers violence a public health problem.

Individual

Biological and personal history factors that increase the likelihood of becoming a victim or perpetrator of violence.

Relationship

Close relationships that may increase the risk of experiencing violence as a victim or perpetrator.

Community

Settings, such as schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods, in which social relationships occur and the characteristics of these settings that are associated with becoming victims or perpetrators of violence.

Societal

Broad societal factors that help create a climate in which violence is encouraged or inhibited, including social and cultural norms.

More from the CDC

For more information on the Socio-Ecological Model and the strategies it puts forth to combat violence, visit the CDC website.

References

Publications

  • The HRSA Strategy to Address Intimate Partner Violence: 2017-2018 Progress Report >> Link 
  • Prevent, Assess, and Respond: A Domestic Violence Toolkit for Health Centers & Domestic Violence Programs >> Link 
  • Preventing Intimate Partner Violence Across the Lifespan: A Technical Package of Programs, Policies, and Practices >> Link

Websites:

General

  • A Call to Men >> Link
  • Anti-Racism as Violence Prevention >> Link
  • Coaching Boys into Men >> Link
  • Futures Without Violence Prevention Page >> Link
  • Love is Respect >> Link
  • One Love Foundation >> Link 

Unserved, Underserved, & Inadequately Served Populations

  • Anti-Racism as Violence Prevention >> Link
  • Preventing & Responding to Domestic Violence in Later Life >> Link
  • Preventing & Responding to Domestic Violence in LGBTQ+ Communities >> Link 
  • Preventing & Responding to Teen Dating Violence >> Link
  • That’s Not Cool >> Link