Theoretical frameworks. Developmental psychopathology, the public health approach to violence, and the cycle of violence.

In many disciplines, there are applications of theory to provide strategies for research and practice. But, at this point in time, given the complex nature of violence, few existing theories effectively address all important variables. In order to overcome deficiencies in violence theory development, it will be necessary for violence researchers and practitioners to better define the concept of violence, improve research designs and program evaluations, and make multidisciplinary collaboration a priority.

Community violence, children and youth: considerations for programs, policy, and nursing roles.

Nurses working with children and adolescents who witness or directly experience violence in the communities in which they live need to understand and recognize symptoms of mental-emotional distress that can result from these experiences. The nature of community violence is multifaceted. Therefore, sharing of knowledge and skills and collaboration between health care professionals from different disciplines can further theoretical understandings, enhance the effectiveness of prevention and intervention strategies, and inform development of, and advocacy for policies at local, state, and national levels to prevent, reduce, and intervene in community violence. These activities will offer challenges and opportunities to shape nurses' roles and nursing practice in future health care environments.