Violence Intervention
When an individual is victimized by gun violence, it increases the likelihood that they will be victimized again and/or become a perpetrator of gun violence themselves, starting a cycle of violence and justice system involvement. In recent years, some states and cities have deployed evidence-informed and targeted community-based violence intervention strategies in an attempt to break this cycle of violence. These strategies include focused deterrence, cognitive behavioral therapy, hospital-based intervention, and street outreach - all designed to minimize justice system involvement for young people and reduce gun violence in struggling neighborhoods.
The Violence Intervention focus area is new to the program, sitting at the intersection of gun violence prevention and justice reform and complementing the strategies and priorities of these focus areas.
Goal: Advance the policy and practice of violence intervention.
Objectives:
- Build the research base supporting violence intervention, including identification of best practices for design, delivery and funding of programs
- Elevate the practice of violence intervention through the professional development of a new community of practitioners, and support expert technical assistance in our region
- Support policies to secure public sector support for violence intervention
Healthcare-based Screening and Violence Prevention Tools
Researchers from the University of Michigan and the Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute discussed new findings that explore the role of two tools—SaFETy and Lock to Live.
Philanthropy Has a Key Role to Play in Reimagining Public Safety
Quintin Williams, Joyce Foundation senior program officer, co-authors an article on supporting alternative and co-response programs for public safety, transforming emergency systems with non-police solutions that reduce risks and improve outcomes.
Source
Inside Philanthropy
Impact of Mass Shootings on Youth
Researchers discuss new findings that explore the psychological impact of mass shootings on youth, and the impact of anonymous reporting systems on school gun violence prevention.
Illinois Firearm Injury and Violent Death Dashboard Review
The Joyce Foundation, Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine present a new dashboard on violent deaths and firearm-related injuries in Illinois.

Statewide Offices of Gun Violence Prevention Take Root
In January 2025, Wisconsin launched OVP to support gun violence reduction efforts, joining over a dozen other states in addressing public health and safety challenges related to gun violence, while highlighting disparities in Black and Brown communities.