What is tertiary prevention in the context of violence prevention?

• A. Helping those experiencing severe abuse recover and rehabilitating abusers to stop the cycle of violence.
• B. Screening high-risk individuals and addressing victims and abusers early to prevent the progression of abuse.
• C. Aimed at breaking the abuse cycle through community educational initiatives.
• D. Providing legal sanctions to offenders.

Answer: (A)

Tertiary prevention in violence prevention focuses on reducing harm after violence has occurred and preventing future episodes by addressing consequences and stopping the cycle. The best choice describes helping those who have suffered severe abuse to recover and working to rehabilitate abusers so violence doesn’t repeat. This approach emphasizes treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing support to minimize lasting damage and prevent recurrence.

Primary prevention aims to stop violence before it happens via education and community programs, while secondary prevention targets those at risk or in early stages to prevent escalation (such as screening or early interventions). Providing legal sanctions is important for accountability, but it’s not tertiary prevention, which centers on healing and reducing ongoing risk after violence has occurred.