Assaults : Prevention Strategies & Societal Implications

When we speak of "assault", we move our discussion from that of violence in its varied injurious forms toward the needs of the victim, prevention of future acts of harm, societal education and policy development, and mobilisation of community resources, which should include the support of both nation-states and responsible institutions. Violence as a manifestation of human aggression has long been with our species. Defining that aggression in its manifest forms as "assault" provides a foundation for intervention with both the perpetrator (offender in legal terms) and survivor victim (person attacked in legal terms). As you read these chapters, consider the role of the researcher and practitioner in their chosen profession to make a contribution. View the language with a critical eye. You will find carefully reasoned proposals for change, calls for social justice, explanations of models for prevention strategies and development of public policy, and articulated reasons why violence falls short of the human right for societal protections that each member of our species deserves. What may be a potential solution or, conversely, negative consequence, what might be a dilemma or beneficial outcome, and what can happen when people work collaboratively: These chapters portray the nuanced reasoning that permits the professional to work toward development and confirmation of more effective models of prevention and intervention, which can reduce the need for prolonged care and services.