Dr. Andrés Villaveces: Early in my career, I became interested in injuries and violence prevention. My first job was at the World Health Organization. I focused on weapons and health and developed the first WHO violence and injury prevention curriculum. After a few years in academia, I analyzed crime and violence data from Latin America and led the development of a youth violence prevention strategy for the World Bank. I also participated in the development of INSPIRE: Seven Strategies for Preventing Violence Against Children.

Currently as Lead Scientist for the Violence Against Children and Youth Surveys (VACS) in Latin America, I manage research, academic, and public health initiatives to prevent violence. Through my career experiences, I have developed a deep understanding of the link between policy and science. This has helped me to navigate different sectors to maximize effectiveness of public health.

Dr. Andrés Villaveces: There are many proud moments ranging from working with amazing people, to training individuals dedicated to preventing violence, to being able to address leaders of nations about the incredible importance of preventing violence against children. Also, learning from the experiences of locals in-country has been a powerful and humbling lesson for me.

Dr. Andrés Villaveces: It varies a lot depending on what phase of the Violence Against Children and Youth Survey (VACS) we are in. Once arriving in a country, there are a variety of training activities. Some can last a few hours others last up to three weeks. On a typical day, we wake up early, prepare for training, conduct fieldwork or hold meetings with local and international partners.

Dr. Andrés Villaveces: Having good quality data is essential to addressing a public health problem. CDC provides the highest quality data and uses that data for effective interventions aimed at preventing or reducing violence against children, adolescents, and youth. To help decision-makers alleviate problems like sexual violence against children, understanding the magnitude of the issue is important. When we understand violence, we can identify strategies to prevent it.

Collaboration and partnership is a big part of this process. Throughout the Violence Against Children and Youth Survey (VACS) process, CDC builds strong support nationally by facilitating engagement meetings, building partnership with intersectoral groups, and collaborating with country leaders in search of prevention strategies.

Dr. Andrés Villaveces: The magnitude of sexual violence in Latin America and in other regions is unacceptably high. Of note, there are some important patterns for violence victimization and perpetration in these areas to be aware of. All forms of violence against children in these areas tend to be more common among females than males. Also location of violence seems to vary with gender. For females, sexual and physical violence occurs more in the home and is perpetrated by parents, caregivers, or domestic partners. For males, violence occurs outside of the home and is perpetrated by peers.

Binge drinking among young adults and adolescents is also high in Latin America. Because binge drinking is associated with violence and other health problems, this is also a concerning pattern to be aware of. The mental health impact of experiencing violence is also one area that makes our work to prevent it so important.

Dr. Andrés Villaveces: I am originally from Latin America, and this has allowed me to adapt and better understand culture and social norms that impact Violence Against Children and Youth Survey (VACS). For instance in Latin America, it is now easier to speak about gender norms, LGBTI issues, and violence than it was a few years ago. However, it is still difficult to talk about sexual violence victimization, especially for males.

Dr. Andrés Villaveces: Issues related to safety while administering surveys have also been a unique challenge in Latin America. We had to develop strategies to protect our local Violence Against Children and Youth Survey (VACS) teams from community violence and also negotiate our entry to certain communities. My previous experiences in Latin America and work on safety issues allowed me to negotiate difficult situations and engage with senior level decision-makers to ensure safety during Violence Against Children and Youth Survey (VACS) implementation.

Dr. Andrés Villaveces: Collaboration is key. Working closely with local governments to form strong connections to prevent violence before is starts is an essential and important step. Developing plans with defined timelines, activities, goals and objectives across sectors is important to preventing violence. Beyond government institutions, the work to prevent violence also includes civil society, local and international agencies. Our partnership with Together for Girls to support these efforts in close coordination is a unique opportunity towards achieving common goals and milestones.