Violence and Prevention Mitigation

What is violence

The intentional use of physical force or power against oneself, another person, or a group that results in or is likely to result in injury, death, psychological harm, maldevelopment, or deprivation.

Where most violence occurs

Among family members and acquaintances.

Why violence is a public health problem

It requires systemic, ecological approaches to prevention and mitigation.

Framework used for violence prevention

The social ecological model.

Levels of influence in SEM

Intrapersonal, interpersonal, community, institutional factors, community factors, public policy.

Homicide definition

Death caused by another person, most often by firearm.

Homicide demographics

Most victims are male; most homicides are not gang‑related; highest counts among white males ages 1–44.

Suicide ranking

Tenth leading cause of death overall; second leading cause for ages 1–44.

Suicide demographics

Highest rates among Non‑Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native and White groups; 55% involve firearms; rates 4× higher in males.

Types of family violence

Child abuse/neglect, intimate partner violence, elder abuse.

Impact of family violence

Disrupts ADLs, IADLs, and occupational functioning.

CAPTA definition of abuse

Recent act or failure to act causing death, serious harm, sexual abuse, or exploitation.

CAPTA definition of neglect

Failure to act that presents imminent risk of serious harm or failure to meet basic needs.

Four types of abuse/neglect

Physical, sexual, emotional, neglect.

Child abuse prevalence

1 in 7 children experience abuse or neglect annually.

SES impact on child abuse

Rates are 5× higher in families with low socioeconomic status.

Most common perpetrators of child abuse

Family members.

Child abuse risk factors

Girls more at risk; financial stress increases risk.

Physical signs

Broken bones, lacerations, bruises.

Behavioral signs

Malnutrition, bed‑wetting, thumb‑sucking, poor school performance, difficulty forming relationships.

Health impacts

Depression, anxiety, eating disorders, PTSD, chronic pain, somatic symptoms, bowel disorders.

PCIT

Parent‑Child Interaction Therapy.

SEEK program

Self‑administered questionnaire with provider follow‑up.

NFP

Nurse‑Family Partnership providing home visits to first‑time mothers.

FIOP

Family Intervention for Improving Occupational Performance, an OT‑based intervention.

OT role in child abuse

Mandatory reporting and documentation.

IPV definition

Physical, sexual, stalking, or psychological aggression by a current or former intimate partner.

IPV prevalence

1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men experience IPV with related impacts.

Psychological aggression prevalence

Over 43 million women and 38 million men affected.

IPV age trend

Most prevalent in youth and declines with age.

Highest‑risk victim group

Bisexual women.

Perpetrator risk factors

Youth, low income/education, violence exposure, strict gender roles, substance abuse.

Impact on survivors

Chronic disease, unhealthy behaviors like smoking and binge drinking.

Impact on children exposed to IPV

Sleep disturbances, eating disturbances, difficulty self‑calming.

Additional child symptoms

Developmental delay, maladaptive behaviors, limited social skills, poor academic performance.

OT role in IPV

No established evidence‑based approaches; includes documentation, protective factors, self‑defense, life skills, expressive therapies.

Definition of elder abuse

Intentional act or failure to act causing harm or risk to adults age 60+.

Where elder abuse occurs

Mostly in the home.

Prevalence of elder abuse

1 in 10 adults age 60+ experience abuse.

Types of elder abuse

Physical, sexual, emotional, neglect, confinement, deprivation, financial exploitation.

Common abusers

Family members, caregivers, facility staff.

Role of ageism

Can contribute to abuse risk.

Social impacts

Isolation and increased dependence.

Physical impacts

Bruises, fractures, illness susceptibility, sleep difficulty, premature death, increased falls.

Psychological impacts

PTSD, fear, anxiety.

Financial impacts

Increased vulnerability to exploitation.

Elder abuse prevention strategies

Background checks, avoiding sharing personal info, updating legal documents, caregiver respite, staff training, mandatory reporting.

Bullying definition

Unwanted aggressive behaviors causing harm or distress.

Types of bullying

Direct (physical/verbal), indirect (relational), cyberbullying (digital harassment).

Bullying prevention strategies

Zero tolerance, social skills training, empathy training, belonging, school shooting prevention.

Workplace violence definition

Acts or threats of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or disruptive behavior at work.

Most common setting for workplace violence

Healthcare workplaces.

Workplace violence intervention

Policies, reporting structures, annual training.

OT role in violence prevention

Report/document suspected abuse, support victims, provide prevention interventions, address occupational disruption.

Chloe left in closet with limited food

Neglect.

IPV least likely in

Older adults.

Most elder abuse occurs in

One’s home.

OT responsibility for bruising on child

Report suspected child abuse and neglect.