Understanding and tackling violence outside of armed conflict settings

Understanding and tackling violence that occurs outside of armed conflict settings is essential to improving the wellbeing of some of the world’s poorest communities. Whilst advances have been made in terms of designing policies that address violence in fragile or conflict-affected countries, progress has been slower in relation to dealing with violence happening outside of these settings. New forms of violence, such as organised crime and political instability, often arise in states which have undergone rapid economic growth and social transformation. These forms of violence are difficult to address because they are part of the very structures and processes that drive and shape development.

This policy briefing asserts that current responses have often been unsuccessful and fresh approaches are required - which need to be driven by communities, civil society and young people, as well as the state and international donors. They must also be underpinned, the authors continue, by a better understanding of how violence affects the poor and what works in terms of interventions.