# Violence

VIOLENCE is often defined as the use of physical force or power by humans to cause harm and degradation to other living beings, such as humiliation, pain, injury, disablement, damage to property and ultimately death, as well as destruction to a society's living environment. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines VIOLENCE as "the intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual, against oneself, another person, or against a group or community, which either results in or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, maldevelopment, or deprivation.": 5  There is growing recognition among researchers and practitioners of the need to include VIOLENCE that does not necessarily result in injury or death.: 5  == Etymology == The word VIOLENCE comes from the Latin violentia, meaning "vehemence, impetuosity, or force," which is derived from violentus, meaning "forceful" or "violent," and ultimately from vis, meaning "force" or "power." The English word violate also derives from the same Latin root vis through the verb violare, meaning "to treat with VIOLENCE, dishonor, or injure." This shared origin underscores the close semantic relationship between VIOLENCE and the act of violation—whether of persons, rights, laws, or boundaries. Both terms convey the use of force to transgress or disrupt what is considered sacred, protected, or inviolable, linking the concept of VIOLENCE not only to physical harm but to moral, legal, and psychological transgressions.