Toward a Field That Prevents Harm Before It Begins: A Reflection and Research Agenda for Interpersonal Violence Prevention

Abstract

Interpersonal violence research has established the profound developmental, relational, and societal consequences of violence; the next challenge is preventing harm before it occurs. This commentary honors Jon Conte’s contributions to the field by advancing a 5-year research and practice agenda that positions corporal punishment and No Hit Zones within a broader, integrated framework for interpersonal violence prevention. Drawing on ecological, public health, social norms, and implementation science perspectives, it identifies priorities for investigating mechanisms of norm change, bystander intervention, institutional trust and equity, implementation at scale, longitudinal behavioral outcomes, and cross-violence pathways across the lifespan. The proposed agenda emphasizes creating universal nonviolence environments while pairing clear behavioral norms with practical family supports, community-engaged communication, and supportive policy. Progress requires connecting child maltreatment prevention with efforts addressing intimate partner violence, sexual violence, bullying, and community violence to build environments in which nonviolence is expected, supported, equitable, and sustainable.