Homicides and other violent acts cause substantial harm in communities across the country (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Almost 20,000 people die from homicide every year in the United States, and many more people are injured by violence (Healthy People 2030). Strategies to prevent intimate partner violence, child abuse and neglect, and youth violence are critical for reducing homicides (Healthy People 2030).

Considerations for Equitable Approaches: Young people are disproportionately impacted by violence in their communities, including firearm injuries and deaths. Poverty and higher income inequality within a community having been linked to higher firearm homicide rates (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Communities of color often disproportionately experience violence, with the national homicide rate consistently higher for Black adolescents and young adults compared to their White counterparts (Healthy People 2030).  Partnering with community members to select, implement, and monitor prevention activities helps ensure that the efforts are community driven and effective at preventing and reducing community violence (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

This is a Healthy People 2030 Leading Health Indicator.

The Healthy People 2030 national health target is to reduce homicides to 5.5 deaths per 100,000 population.