What is violence prevention?

Without a shared definition of violence prevention in South Africa, there can be no shared commitment to action.

What do we mean when we speak of preventing violence? This policy brief presents definitions of violence prevention as expressed by children, researchers, non-governmental organisations, government officials, development partners, donor agencies and a private sector partner. These definitions show that preventing violence is a collective, long-term undertaking that requires time, knowledge, energy and funds to redress poverty, inequality and prejudice. It will only be achieved when there are common goals and a shared commitment.

About the authors

Chandré Gould (ISS), Stephen Miller (Save the Children SA), Tarisai Mchuchu (Mosaic), Jill Ryan (Equality Unit, Stellenbosch University), Jonathan Okeke (University of Pretoria), Fonteh Akum (ISS), Cynthia Nyoni (Department of Social Development), Sinah Moruane (UNICEF), Wilmi Dippenaar (Seven Passes Initiative), Anik Gevers (Sexual Violence Research Initiative), Patricia Watson (Department of Basic Education), Elizabeth Dartnall (Sexual Violence Research Initiative), Nwabisa Shai (South African Medical Research Council), Gareth Newham (ISS), Tshepiso Machabaphala (Department of Health), Zithobile Mkhize (teacher, Umlazi), Judy Connors (VPF facilitator), Marcel Korth (Anglo American), Thandi van Heyningen (ISS), Penny Parenzee (The Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, UCT), Ayanda Mazibuko (ISS), Joan Moeketsi (GIZ), Thulani Mahlangu (GIZ), Matodzi Amisi (ISS), Diketso Mufamadi (ISS).

Photo: Jonathon Rees