Setting a violence prevention agenda at the centers for disease control and prevention

Historically, public health has affected quality of life through the application of scientific methods to solve health problems and broad implementation of the answers to those problems. The public health approach is multidisciplinary and scientific, and is explicitly directed toward identifying effective approaches to prevention. This article provides an overview of the public health approach in the areas of violence prevention. In particular, we describe the unique role of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in violence prevention and control, and CDC efforts in terms of our current mission, organizational structure, research, and programs. We also describe the application of the public health approach to specific areas of violence prevention. Examples include CDC activities in priority areas including family and intimate partner violence, sexual violence, child maltreatment, youth violence, and suicide prevention. Emerging research priorities and trends in those areas are also discussed. Issues related to the implementation and dissemination of effective programs and policies are addressed, as well as prospects and challenges to the full realization of public health objectives.