What it means
A public-health approach that treats violence as contagious: detect and interrupt transmission, identify and support people at greatest risk, and change community norms. The work is delivered by trained credible messengers.
ICM field application · illustrative
See how this idea helps with a decision
Here is an example to work through. The linked source explains the idea or guest account. The next move is ICM guidance.
- Where it shows up
- A proposal says it will change norms but pays only for one-off events.
- A useful move
- Examine the model's distinct work of detecting and interrupting conflict, engaging people at high risk, and changing norms through sustained community activity.
- What this does not prove
- The contagion analogy is a planning frame, not a claim that violence behaves biologically like a virus.
Follow the question
From this idea to a local decision
Use the part you need next. A guest’s account, research finding, local pattern, and implementation plan answer different questions.