What does recognizing domestic violence as a public health issue entail?

Recognizing domestic violence as a public health issue involves understanding that it affects not just the individuals involved but also has broader implications for community health and safety. This perspective promotes comprehensive societal responses to the issue, including funding for prevention programs, community education, and resources to support survivors. By framing domestic violence in this context, it emphasizes the importance of collective action and policy-making to address the root causes of violence, reduce its prevalence, and support its victims effectively. This holistic approach encourages collaboration between various sectors, such as healthcare, law enforcement, social services, and education, to create a more supportive environment that can reduce occurrences of domestic violence and encourage recovery for those affected. This does not focus solely on individual therapy or limit discussions to one type of professional, nor does it involve victim-blaming, but rather seeks to mobilize societal resources for prevention and intervention efforts.