Children Exposed to Violence: An Often Neglected Social, Mental Health, and Public Health Problem

Abstract

ABSTRACT Children's exposure to violence has been identified as a mental health, social, and public health problem. However, this issue has not reached national priority status or received major funding for prevention and intervention programs. This article summarizes the conclusions and recommendations of a Think Tank that was conducted in Fall 2006 by the Institute on Violence, Abuse, and Trauma at Alliant International University, with the help and support of the National Center for Children Exposed to Violence and the U.S. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. This article describes and explains the gaps and needs that were identified and the recommendations that were made from the Think Tank, and also introduces the articles in this special volume.