California’s public health and injury prevention policies are based on several principles. Principal among them is the belief that violence is preventable. The approach also admits that there are multiple causes for violence. For that reason, the solution cannot be a single one that addresses every possible situation. Finally, the policies take into account the fact that anyone can at some point be the victim. Thus, to be successful, these policies require the involvement of every inhabitant of the state.
Believing that it’s possible to address violence through a public health approach that focuses on risk identification and the development of strategies to prevent risks requires a dedicated effort on the part of groups, institutions, and individual members of society. Sadly, even with the best of intentions, anyone can also find themselves the victim of violence. If this has happened to you and you are dealing with injuries and other losses, counting on the legal guidance of personal injury claims attorneys can free your time to focus on your recovery while your lawyer takes care of the legal aspects of your case.
California’s Injury Prevention Efforts
The Injury and Violence Prevention (IVP) Branch, formerly the Safe and Active Communities (SAC) Branch, is the focal point for the California Department of Public Health’s injury prevention efforts. Their main aim is to help all Californians reach their full potential by having safe places to work, live, and enjoy life.
Many programs have been established to this end, among them:
- The vehicle occupant safety program focuses on children and their safety as passengers.
- The domestic violence program specifically addresses intimate partner violence.
- The program for healthy aging pays special attention to elder abuse and abuse in nursing homes.
- The suicide prevention program aims to offer resources to those contemplating ending their lives and also provides support to surviving relatives of suicide victims.
- The fall prevention program for older adults addresses a growing problem with grave consequences. When older adults fall, they tend to break their hips, leading to difficulties walking and deteriorating their quality of life.
- The sexual violence program focuses on preventing rape and offering resources to victims. It also offers education on the subject.
- The teen dating violence program addresses a growing problem of violence among younger adults that often results in the untimely death of young victims.
- The essentials for childhood program not only addresses issues with early education but also focuses on ensuring that all young children receive a warm meal at school and offers other resources to struggling parents.
What to Do If You Are Injured in an Accident in California
Despite the commendable number and variety of programs offered by the state of California, nobody is immune to getting injured in an accident. Should this happen to you, it is essential to know how to act to preserve your legal rights. Make sure to stay at the scene of the accident and call the police to get an accident report to provide to your insurance and your accident attorney. Exchange information with the other party and focus on recovering your health.
