The authors attempted to construct a typology of interventions focused around one particular factor contributing to the nature, frequency and seriousness of violent behaviour perpetrated by Indigenous people. They were considered in the first dimension in terms of their identified objectives and the nature of the role they play. These program types are then profiled in terms of a series of other important characteristics. At whom the program is aimed Programs are designed to deal with people, who are, or might become, involved in violent behaviour. These include the perpetrators of violence, the victims of violence, and possibly the indirect victims of violence, the surrounding family or community.
Some programs aim their efforts at both the perpetrator and victim.
In many cases it is only one of these parties. In the most successful programs, the entire community is mobilised in an effort to curb violence, and all members benefit from the sense of achievement brought about by sharing in the solution of the problem. For example, perpetrators participate in the community's culturally-specific system of shame and punishment, direct victims are protected and their plight understood, and indirect victims have the opportunity to act to alleviate the situation afflicting their fellow community members. The kind of violence attended to Frequently, various programs will target specific forms of violence, such as those described in the previous section. The list might include family violence, sexual assault and rape, child abuse, assault, homicide, self-harm and suicide.