Strategic Directions

Each year, more than 57,000 people in the United States die as a result of violence, and millions of others are left with debilitating physical and emotional injuries. CDC is committed to ensuring all Americans live to their fullest potential. Violence clearly limits this potential by causing death, injury, and disability; increasing the risk of physical, reproductive, and emotional health problems, and devastating our communities.

The work of CDC's Division of Violence Prevention is guided by a set of strategic directions. A strategic direction is defined as a focused and compelling strategy for reducing rates of various forms of violence. Strategic directions are presented for child maltreatment, intimate partner violence, and suicidal behavior.

Child Maltreatment

Our key strategy in preventing child maltreatment is the promotion of safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments for all children. The Essentials for Childhood framework proposes evidence-based strategies for communities to promote relationships and environments that help children grow up to be healthy and productive citizens.

Intimate Partner Violence

Our key strategy in preventing intimate partner violence is the promotion of respectful, nonviolent intimate partner relationships through individual, community, and societal level change.