Violence and injuries

Violence and unintentional injuries cause a significant amount of deaths, human suffering and disability in the WHO European Region every year, accounting for almost 530 000 deaths (5.7% of all deaths) and 9.45% of all disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in 2015. Injury and violence remain the leading causes of death in young people aged 5-49 years in the Region.  Although deaths have fallen over the last decade, injuries and violence are still leading causes of inequality and social injustice in Europe.

To reduce the burden of violence and unintentional injury WHO/Europe advocates the use of a public health approach. This requires evidence based action and multisectoral cooperation. It supports Member States by:

• providing data on the burden and risks of injuries and violence;
• supporting evidence based policy making;
• improving capacity for prevention and services; and
• facilitating the exchange of knowledge and good practice.