The contagion of violence is a universal phenomenon, occurring at all levels of society and affecting a broad spectrum of individuals. It occurs globally, within all societies, and is transmitted through interpersonal relationships, families, peer-groups, neighborhoods, and cultures. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) will convene a 2-day workshop to explore the contagion of violence and how it can be prevented and eventually ended. The workshop will emphasize the challenge in low- and middle-income countries, where the burden of violence is the greatest.

The public workshop will be organized and conducted by an ad hoc committee to examine 1) the contagious nature of violence, 2) the relationship between the contagion of violence and epidemics of violence, and 3) how contagions of violence can be prevented or ended.
The committee will develop the workshop agenda, select and invite speakers and discussants, and moderate the discussions. Experts will be drawn from the public and private sectors as well as from academic organizations to allow for multi-lateral, evidence-based discussions. Following the conclusion of the workshop, an individually-authored summary of the event will be prepared by a designated rapporteur.