Community violence is a widespread and pervasive social problem. Perpetrated and endured by diverse sets of individuals and groups, it has great potential to traumatize many in that it leaves a lasting impact not only on the direct actors involved but also on first- and secondhand witnesses and, in effect, entire populations. To explain and analyze this phenomenon, this entry first discusses the scholarly attempts in defining the vague problem and elaborates upon the typologies proposed to demarcate each type of interpersonal abuse that is subsumed within the broad generalization of community violence. Furthermore, it discusses the structural factors often found in correlation with the phenomenon and the effects such violence has on the individuals involved. Finally, reference is made to the steps communities are ...