Part I, an overview, describes some general considerations explored at the conference: what different kinds of violence have in common and what social attitudes, myths, and misconceptions nurture cultural violence. Part II describes the consequences of trauma for victims of violence and considers how violence becomes self-perpetuating. Exposure to violence may influence a child's ability to play or an adolescent's capacity to learn, and it may lead to a range of psychological problems. Part III describes six ways that violence is affecting young people today. The first section reports on domestic violence, now a major public health issue as 1 in 14 marriages is characterized by repeated violence. The second section deals with dating violence, to which adolescents are particularly vulnerable. Other sections focus on sexual harassment in school, childhood sexual abuse, family alcoholism, and violence on television. Part IV contains a national agenda for violence prevention. Suggestions include building an infrastructure for the prevention of violence, reducing firearm violence, reducing violence associated with alcohol and other drugs, and providing childhood experiences that prevent violence. One appendix describes 16 programs and curricula aimed at preventing, addressing, or correcting various forms of violence.