Talk Title: Preventing Violence against Children using Social Determinants approaches: An evidence-based framework developed for the WHO INSPIRE programme
Each year, an estimated one billion children experience violence, with one child dying from violence every five minutes. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 16.2) aim to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence and torture against children. Evidence-based approaches to preventing violence against children are growing (see app.who.int/violence-info). Some of the most effective strategies have been compiled by UN agencies into the INSPIRE programme—seven key strategies for ending violence against children. However, much of this work has focused on individual and interpersonal risk factors. Less attention has been given to policy and legislative approaches that address the broader social determinants of violence—such as government policies, inequalities, and education systems. To fill this gap, the World Health Organization commissioned a review of the evidence for reducing violence against children which examined seven areas of social determinants:
1. Promoting economic security and equality
2. Providing access to quality education
3. Protecting the environment
4. Strengthening social and community networks
5. Reducing exposure to health-harming behaviours
6. Ensuring access to quality healthcare
7. Improving governance
This presentation summarises the findings from that review, situating them within the broader INSPIRE framework and highlighting the growing evidence of the widespread consequences—and unsustainable costs—of failing to address violence and other Adverse Childhood Experiences.
Acknowledgements: With thanks to Sara Wood, Natasha Judd, Karen Hughes, Katie
Cresswell, Stephanie Burrows and Alexander Butchart
Professor Mark Bellis is Director of Health Research and Innovation and Professor of Public Health and Behavioural Sciences at Liverpool John Moores University, UK. Mark has established and led two WHO Collaborating Centres (in Violence Prevention, and in Investment for Health and Well-being). For over a decade Professor Bellis he has been the UK Focal Point to the WHO on violence and injury prevention working widely with WHO and other international agencies. He is also a member of the WHO European SAGE (Scientific Advisory Group of Experts) on Health Equity Status Reporting. Mark undertakes national and international research and development in fields including Adverse Childhood Experiences, violence prevention, health economics and commerce, alcohol, drugs, sexual health, and public health history. His work spans original research studies, systematic reviews, and policy implementation. Professor Bellis is a registered Consultant in Public Health in the UK National Health Service and in 2009 was awarded an OBE for services to healthcare. Mark has published over 250 academic papers and over 300 applied public health reports and books. He remains actively engaged in applied multi-sectoral programmes to tackle existing and emergent threats to public health.
Professor Mark A. Bellis, Chair, WHO Global Collaborating Centre for Violence Prevention,
Public Health Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, UK
E. m.a.bellis@ljmu.ac.uk; X. @markabellis
