P revention Violence prevention hinges on the understanding and concerted action of the local community. The Addressing Violence in Oklahoma Coalition is composed of individuals from the areas of public health, law enforcement, mental health, social services, justice and corrections systems, medical community, education system, and concerned private citizens. We are committed to advocating and empowering Oklahomans to change the perception that violence is an acceptable method of control or problem-solving by increasing public awareness and focusing communities to participate in understanding and preventing violence at the local level. It is our hope that this effort to describe the impact of violence in Oklahoma may help chart a path for new, innovative, and growing efforts in the prevention of violence.
Violence is a complex problem which requires complex solutions.
Our philosophy of violence revolves around the theory that violence is multifaceted, yet preventable, and its prevention should be comprehensive in approach and united in strategies. This means that preventative interventions must be employed at multiple points in order to reduce violence and its impact. Additionally, an infrastructure that supports the needs of communities should be defined and developed in order to prevent violence. Not only should those who are adversely affected by the problems of violence be of concern, but the entire community should be addressed in at least a portion of violence prevention. The public health approach also focuses on limiting the damage violence causes to the victims, perpetrators, and the community.