The committee gathered information from printed materials and consultations. It concluded that Australia is currently more violent than it was before World War Two, but less violent than during the period from its establishment as a penal colony until its federation. In addition, the homicide rate is low by international standards and has not changed significantly in the last 20 years, while the rates of assault, sexual assault, and robbery have increased sharply since the early 1970's. Moreover, the rate of non-fatal assault is high compared to that of other industrialized western societies. Factors increasing the risk of violence include family influences, cultural factors, personality factors, substance abuse biological factors, mental illness, media influences, peers, and schooling. Approaches to reducing violence should include a national strategy for the promotion of nonviolent attitudes, the reduction of risk factors, and improvement in the availability of accurate information. Specific measures should include actions by health and welfare agencies, education officials, the criminal justice system, regulatory agencies, and other governmental agencies. Tables, figures, illustrations, chapter reference lists, appended methodological information, and lists of information sources.