Life-course determinants and prevention of violence

Violence causes hundreds of thousands of lives every year worldwide, as well as millions of injuries and mental health problems. The highest rates of serious violence are in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Latin America, but nearly all major research projects have been conducted in high-income countries.

Violence is the main cause of death among young people in Brazil. Causes of violence in childhood will be identified in four large studies in southern Brazil, each following more than 4,000 children from birth to adulthood. We will also use a carefully controlled study to evaluate two interventions that support low-income families to provide early childcare aimed at preventing child behaviour problems and future violence. The interventions are low-cost training programmes for parents suitable for a low- and middle-income country settings.

This research will advance understanding of the causes and prevention of violence in Brazil.