What are the causes of violence?

The causes of violence are complicated and vary across and within different cultural and economic contexts. (6,7) Factors that are thought to contribute to the development of violent behaviour include individual characteristics such as:

· knowledge, attitudes, thoughts about violence and skill deficits, such as poorly developed communication skills

· drug and alcohol use

· having witnessed or been victimised by interpersonal violence

· access to firearms and other weapons

There are also many contributing forces at the family level, including:

· lack of parental affection and support
· exposure to violence in the home
· physical punishment and child abuse
· having parents or siblings involved in criminal behaviour

In addition, economic and societal factors such as the following can contribute to violence: (4)

· Unequal power relations between men and women, or between different ethnic groups
· Poverty, urbanisation and overcrowding
· rapid economic development with high levels of unemployment among young people
· media influences
· social norms supporting violent behaviour
· availability of weapons