Crime, Violence and Injury Research Unit

Director: Prof Mohamed Seedat
E-mail: seedama@unisa.ac.za

The Crime, Violence and Injury Research Unit (CVI) is co-directed by the University of South Africa (UNISA) and the South African Medical Research Council (MRC). The CVI was founded within the long-standing and persisting context of violence and injury in South Africa. Currently, between 60 000 and 70 000 injury deaths occur each year, making South Africa one of the highest ranking countries in the world with respect to death due to injury. Injury is the fourth major source of death to South Africans.

Furthermore, it is estimated that for each violence fatality there are 20 non-fatal incidents that result in some disability. There is no comprehensive estimate of the non-fatal losses, whether due to human suffering, family income, occupational disruptions, community and business costs, or in social confidence. In 2007 the major contributors to the injury burden comprised homicide (36%), transport-related incidents (32%), suicide (10%) and other unintentional injuries such as burns and poisonings (13%). This injury burden is concentrated amongst low-income communities where a disproportionate share of this injury risk is located. Within such a context, the specific objectives of the programme are to:

1. Conduct and disseminate public health oriented research into the causes and consequences of injuries due to crime, violence and unintentional incidents ("accidents") in South Africa;
2. Conduct, encourage and document research that will serve to identify, support and develop best practice examples for primary prevention, injury control and safety promotion practices and policies;
3. Build capacity among South African researchers, including historically marginalised groups to conduct research into the causes, consequences and prevention of injuries arising from crime, violence, and unintentional incidents ("accidents");
4. Increase the use of surveillance and best practice data at the levels of service provision, policy formulation, and training; and
5. Establish a global reputation as an African centre of excellence in the field of crime, violence, and injury prevention research and training.

The team