Intentional Injury

The term "intentional" is used to refer to injuries resulting from purposeful human action, whether directed at oneself or others. Intentional injuries include self-inflicted and interpersonal acts of violence intended to cause harm.

Some examples of intentional injury include:

• Child Maltreatment - Child maltreatment is the abuse and neglect of a child under the age of 18 by a parent, caregiver or another person in a custodial role. It can be physical, sexual or emotional.
• Firearm Safety - Firearm injuries and deaths have become a public health crisis. These tragedies are preventable. 
• Interpersonal Violence - Interpersonal violence is violence inflicted by an individual or a group upon a person. It can include intimate partner violence, elder maltreatment, violence against persons with disabilities and child abuse.
• Suicide - Nationally, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death among Americans. Arkansas is ranked 17th in the country for suicide – an average of 368 Arkansans take their own life each year.
• Youth Violence - Youth violence is harmful behaviors that can start early and continue into young adulthood. These behaviors include a range of violent acts such as bullying, hitting or slapping that can cause emotional and physical harm.

The Injury Prevention Programs provide information and guidance to community groups, schools, and organizations both public and private for the successful implementation of suicide and violence prevention strategies.