According to strategies for addressing violence, it should be treated as what?

Violence is increasingly recognized as a public health problem because it affects the well-being of individuals and communities similarly to other health issues, such as infectious diseases or mental health disorders. By viewing violence through the lens of public health, strategies can be focused on prevention, education, and intervention measures that address the underlying risk factors contributing to violent behavior. This approach encourages a comprehensive look at factors like social determinants of health, community resources, and accessibility to care, rather than solely focusing on punitive measures or criminal justice responses. Such a perspective aims to reduce the incidence of violence, promote safety, and foster healthier environments, thereby ultimately benefiting the overall health of society.

The other options, while they do touch on aspects related to violence, do not encapsulate the broad, preventive, and holistic approach that a public health framework offers. Viewing violence solely as a criminal issue, a law enforcement issue, or a societal problem narrows the focus and can limit the effectiveness of interventions aimed at long-term prevention.