ABSTRACT
Before looking in detail at the different stages in the life-course, it is useful to say something about the theoretical basis of the understanding of violence and abuse presented in this book, as well as some overall features of its approach. In this chapter therefore the theoretical basis for understanding violence and abuse is summarised fi rst, followed by an exploration of some of the overall fi ndings from the Delphi expert study about principles, values and core beliefs, about guidelines for practice, a public health approach to prevention, and key features of an integrated approach to service provision.
