This Global status report on violence prevention 2014 takes stock of how governments are making a difference, by assessing the measures countries are taking to prevent and respond to interpersonal violence. The report – the first of its kind – finds that considerable violence prevention activity is underway around the world. For instance, on average, each of the prevention programmes surveyed was reported to be implemented in about a third of countries; each of the services to protect and support victims surveyed was reported to be in place in just over half of countries; and some 80% of countries were found to have enacted each of the prevention laws surveyed.

But importantly the report also reveals gaps in global violence prevention that must be filled: gaps in knowledge about the extent of the problem; in the quality and reach of prevention programmes; in access to services for victims; in the enforcement of existing laws; and in mechanisms to coordinate multisectoral work.

The Global status report on violence prevention 2014 builds on existing commitments by several United Nations agencies to support countries in their violence prevention efforts. It identifies clear gaps and opportunities and inspires us to action. Further, it provides a baseline and a set of indicators to track future violence prevention progress. Please join us in ensuring its findings are made use of and its recommendations implemented, particularly as we anticipate the adoption of the post-2015 development agenda. Together we can indeed make a difference.