PROTECTIVE FACTORS

A protective factor is a characteristic that provides a buffer against risk for violence.

In general, protective factors have not been as extensively studied as risk factors. However, identifying and understanding protective factors are equally as important as researching risk factors.

Protective factors can occur at all levels of the Social Ecological Model. Research has thus far identified protective factors at the following levels:

Individual

Individual Protective Factors for Perpetration: Emotional Health

Relationship

Relationship Protective Factors for Perpetration: Connectedness with family

Community

Community Protective Factors for Perpetration Connectedness with those in the community including at school and church