More than 18,000 people in the United States lost their lives to homicide in 2023. The impact of this violence extends beyond victims, inflicting lasting harm on families, first responders, and entire communities. Using data-informed strategies is essential for understanding the risk factors contributing to these tragedies, enabling interest holders to develop targeted interventions that can disrupt cycles of violence and strengthen community safety.

Purpose

The Violence Prevention Navigation Framework (VPNF) from the Justice and Prevention Research Center at WestEd assists leaders in gaining a clearer understanding of the factors contributing to or preventing violence within their communities—helping them promote safe and just futures for children, youth, and adults.

Audiences Served

VPNF supports state and local policymakers, community organizations, and leaders working in violence prevention and public safety.

Project Activities

With VPNF, local and state leaders working in violence prevention systems benefit from the following:

A New Data-Driven Approach
VPNF combines collective knowledge from local government and community-based partners with local data to prioritize, assess, and develop appropriate strategies to reduce and prevent gun violence.

Thoughtful Recommendations for Leaders
VPNF uses thorough risk analysis and identification of protective factors to provide leaders with evidence-based recommendations, enabling them to make informed policy decisions.

Promoting Equity and Fostering Growth
By analyzing local data on violence and conducting a thorough assessment of existing programs, VPNF helps jurisdictions reduce and proactively prevent violence, rectify historical inequities, and foster healthier communities through practical, evidence-based solutions.

Help us Reach State and Local Leaders to Build Safer Communities

In this toolkit, you’ll find resources to help spread awareness about gun violence prevention and the VPNF’s potential to transform how states and communities approach it. We encourage you to use these resources to engage your audience and promote collaborative violence prevention efforts. Together, we can unite communities to prevent gun violence and enhance safety for all.

Project Director

Lori Toscano

Lori Toscano is the Director of Justice Technical Assistance. She a national expert in community violence intervention with a focus on assisting states, localities, and community-based organizations with identifying, implementing, and operationalizing evidence-based strategies.