Violence-Free Society

Revised April 2019

Reaffirmed June 2013

Revised January 2007

Reaffirmed October 2000

Originally approved January 1996

The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) strongly supports the goal of a society free from violence. ACEP recognizes that violence takes many forms, including but not limited to, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, child and elder abuse, terrorism and acts intended to cause mass casualty incidents, firearm violence, and anti-minority/politically motivated violence. ACEP believes emergency physicians have a public health responsibility to reduce the prevalence and impact of violence through advocacy, education, legislation, and research initiatives. ACEP will work to improve violence prevention programs and develop clinical tools for emergency departments (EDs) to treat patients presenting with the mental and physical consequences of violence.