Gun violence

Special collection

Back to Collections

This special collection brings together evidence and insights from nonprofits, foundations, and research organizations working to understand the full impact of firearm use and gun violence in the US. By providing us with analyses of current state and federal laws as well as valuable data on suicides, homicides, accidents, and mass shootings, these organizations seek to inform sound public policy and to curb this ongoing public health epidemic.

More ways to engage:
- Add your organization's content to this collection.
- Easily share this collection on your website or app.

Search this collection

Clear all

5 results found

reorder grid_view

Continuing Efforts To Slow Violent Crime: Promising Innovations From 3 Democrat-Led Cities

July 27, 2022

Historically, the United States' approach to crime has been reactionary and overreliant on criminal legal sanctions, and it has failed to adequately address the social, health, and behavioral factors that drive crime. Still, as the country continues to grapple with a rise in gun violence, a new wave of "tough-on-crime" rhetoric has emerged, blaming progressive policies for the increase in violent crime. While violent crime rose across the country in 2020, progressive leaders in cities are investing resources into proven public health and community-based solutions to stop gun violence before it starts, and these cities are seeing early signs of success in stemming the tide.Rather than accept calls for tough-on-crime policies, leaders in Houston, Boston, and Newark, New Jersey, have taken a more holistic approach to prevent violence before it starts. These cities are three examples of jurisdictions that have implemented comprehensive public safety plans focused not only on stopping violent crime but also on prioritizing community-driven and public health-focused innovations that break the cycle of violence.

The Future of Public Safety: Exploring the Power & Possibility of Newark’s Reimagined Public Safety Ecosystem

June 15, 2022

There was a time not so long ago when Newark, like many other cities, was plagued with extraordinary violence, deep-seated poverty, and ailing social systems.To look at Newark today is to see a city in resurgence, lifted by its proud, resilient people. At the heart of this evolution is a fierce hunger for safety — a safety defined by thriving neighborhoods and not just the absence of violence. Leaders across the nation, and the media, have noticed the trajectory, but the stories about Newark are almost always about one or two aspects of the work. In fact, what has happened in Newark — especially over the last eight years — is much more significant.This report describes Newark's community-based ecosystem of public safety, identifying and engaging with key components of its systems of support. In particular, we document how Newarkers have leveraged the power and possibility of their experience and connections, as well as those of the community at large, to break local cycles of trauma and violence through healing and reconciliation.

Working Together Toward Safer Communities: Reflections from READI Chicago

September 8, 2021

This new report from READI Chicago examines the launch and progress of the initiative over its first four years, and the ways lessons from this innovative response to urban violence are helping to inform violence prevention across the country. READI launched in 2017 in partnership with seven local community-based organizations. By providing training and capacity building to long-standing community-based organizations with pre-existing community relationships and deep ties in their neighborhoods, READI has become a scalable model that can be replicated across the country to help build safer communities for all.READI is seeing success in keeping individuals safer. Preliminary research on the READI program from the University of Chicago Crime Lab shows that READI works with the men most at risk for gun violence involvement, they stay engaged in the program, and they have 79% fewer arrests for shootings and homicides compared with a randomized control group.

Engaging Communities in Reducing Gun Violence: A Road Map to Safer Communities

April 1, 2016

Gun violence inflicts a devastating toll on communities of color, but the justice system response to this violence frequently destabilizes neighborhoods and damages police-community relations. To develop a better response, the Urban Institute, Joyce Foundation, and Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies convened more than 100 people from communities affected by violence. We learned that violence prevention demands a holistic set of solutions. Limiting access to firearms is part of the solution, but a comprehensive strategy will also require improving police-community relations, investing in community services, and facilitating community leadership in violence prevention efforts.

Gun Violence Among School-Age Youth in Chicago

March 5, 2009

Outlines findings from data reviews, surveys, and interviews on the victims and perpetrators of youth gun violence, turning points for youth involvement, and possible interventions. Highlights the need for evaluations of prevention strategies.

Statistics & Surveys