The International Day of Non-Violence is observed on Oct. 2, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence.

According to the General Assembly resolution of the United Nations’ General Assembly, the day is intended “disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness”. The resolution reaffirms “the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence” and the desire “to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence”.

For more information on various aspects of non-violence, see the following issues of the Children’s Mental Health Research Quarterly: 

• Vol 12, No. 4 (Helping children who have been mistreated)
• Vol 9, No. 1 (Parenting without physical punishment)
• Vol. 7, No. 1 (Promoting healthy dating relationships)
• Vol 5, No. 1 (Nurse-Family Partnership and children’s mental health)