The Impact of Violence on Health and Education

The World Health Organization estimates that over 1.3 million lives are lost each year to interpersonal, self-directed and collective violence which constitute the fourth leading cause of death for persons aged 15-44 globally. Domestically, violence in all its forms comprises a substantial proportion of this violence.  For example, the increasing frequency and lethality of gun violence, raises serious concerns regarding immediate loss of life in addition to long-term detrimental impacts on the general sense of safety, as well as the health and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities. 

Additionally, the socioeconomic consequences of non-fatal violence contribute significantly to lifelong ill-health, poor educational and occupational outcomes. Furthermore, multinational data demonstrate that women, children and the elderly continue to be disproportionately affected by most forms of violence, and that the impacts may be further exacerbated by inequitable accesses to social services including healthcare, education and vocational training. While global investments in prevention and intervention have seen a marked increase over the past decade, the World Bank reports that extant initiatives and frameworks remain insufficient to address this preventable public health crisis.

On Saturday October 27, Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service and the International Health Awareness Network (IHAN) will bring together local policy-makers, United Nations dignitaries, academics, students, and social justice advocates to address the Impact of Violence on Health and Education. The conference will examine the multifaceted effects of violence throughout the lifespan and review proactive measures to mitigate adverse outcomes especially as it relates to gun violence, school violence, violence in the home, and sexual and gender-based violence.

In preparation for this forum, IHAN and Fordham University will open a call for student policy papers and research posters that will contribute to the multigenerational dialogue surrounding the impact of violence on health and education. A panel of community leaders will review each submission. The three top papers will be presented at the October conference. Similarly, a mid-day poster session will afford attendees the opportunity to engage with leaders and experts in the field, network across disciplines and review emerging data in the social science, public policy and medical fields.

Ultimately, this forum aims to inform current policies and compile the main contributions into a white paper, challenging policy makers and professionals to support programs that will continue to address the impact of violence on health and education and promote safer communities locally and globally.