Confronting Violence defines, explains, and explores the interrelationships between different types of violence and offers ideas for concerned parents as well as a wise summary of current evidence for professionals. More than that, the book gives us hope that violence need not always afflict our society and provides insights on how we can individually and collectively plan for a more rational future.

Determinants of violence : is America more violent than other societies? -- Physical and emotional abuse of children -- Sexual abuse of children -- Youth and school violence -- Bullying : not just kids' stuff -- Spouse abuse, domestic violence, and intimate partner violence -- Rape and sexual assault of adults -- Elder abuse and violence against the elderly -- Murder and homicide -- ever more random -- Violence and strangers -- Guns -- do they increase or defend against violence? -- Violence to oneself -- suicide -- Epilogue -- social change and the future of violence prevention -- Appendix 1: State crime victim compensation and assistance programs -- Appendix 2: References and suggestions for further reading.