At Prevention Institute, our vision is that all people experience their full potential for health, safety, and wellbeing across the life course through thriving, equitable communities. Safety allows people to thrive and live fulfilling lives—it is freedom from violence and the threat of violence. Our work addresses multiple forms of violence (e.g., school, community, intimate partner, sexual assault, and child abuse and exploitation) and the relationships between them.
Violence is preventable, not inevitable. There is a strong and growing evidence base, grounded in research and experiential practitioner and community evidence that supports this fact. Changing the underlying conditions that contribute to violence—in homes, schools, and neighborhoods—prevents violence from occurring in the first place.
Prevention Institute engages leaders from housing, healthcare, and multiple other sectors at the local, state, and national levels and cultivates a systems approach to prevention that reduces the need for criminal justice intervention. Recognizing violence as a crucial prevention issue for health and equity, Prevention Institute has made a major commitment to helping cities devise comprehensive plans and strategies for reducing and preventing multiple forms of violence. By cultivating communities of practice such as UNITY (Urban Networks to Increase Thriving Youth through Violence Prevention) and Safety Through Connection, supporting policy and systems change, and providing strong technical assistance, Prevention Institute catalyzes momentum for safety.
Dr. Deborah Prothrow-Stith was one of the first people to describe violence as a public health issue, and this publication shares her valuable insights for practitioners to prevent violence in the years to come. Among other lessons, Dr. Prothrow-Stith calls for investing in prevention strategies now rather than paying more later. This publication is part of the Making the Case series.
The Boston Public Health Commission's Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative (VIP) is grounded in community engagement, an essential element of preventing violence. Part of the City Voices and Perspectives series, this publication describes the goals of VIP's five community coalitions, and shares advice for mobilizing residents.
Part of the City Voices and Perspectives series, this publication describes the advantages of a coordinated out-of-school-time system and includes recommendations for overcoming implementation challenges.
Compiled by Prevention Institute (with support from the Kresge Foundation), the following eight profiles demonstrate how states are moving beyond silos to partner within and outside of state governments to support innovative initiatives that advance population health. These profiles were prepared in response to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation's interest in the important role of states in facilitating collaborations and comprehensive efforts that improve community environments. The initiatives highlighted represent a variety of states and diverse health issues and risk factors
R.T. Rybak Mayor R.T. Rybak resolved to prevent violence upon leaving a child's funeral, and he has seen first-hand how the public health approach has transformed Minneapolis. Read this UNITY publication for ideas to engage key decision-makers in your city and to learn why Mayor Rybak champions prevention. For more on Minneapolis' efforts, read " Blueprint for Action-Preventing Violence in Minneapolis," also part of UNITY's City Voices and Perspectives publication series.
Looking to prevent violence and not just react after the fact? This UNITY fact sheet highlights how public health adds value to any effort to address violence and complements criminal justice approaches. "Public Health Contributions to Preventing Violence" describes how public health's unique perspective and areas of expertise could strengthen local initiatives.
The "Social and Economic Costs of Violence-Workshop Summary" released by the Institute of Medicine presents a comprehensive framework for thinking about the impact of violence, exploring costs beyond the direct economic effects of violence. In the Institute of Medicine publication, Rachel Davis, Project Director for UNITY, makes the case for violence prevention as the single most effective way to promote economic development. In addition, UNITY Co-Chair Dr. Deborah Prothrow-Stith highlights the importance of understanding the definition of violence within its cultural context in performing
Part of UNITY's City Voices and Perspectives series, Blueprint for Action-Preventing Violence in Minneapolis demonstrates how developing and implementing a strategic plan grounded in prevention is paying off for Minneapolis. This UNITY publication highlights the effectiveness of the Blueprint for Action, a comprehensive strategic plan to prevent violence in Minneapolis. Violent crime in four prioritized neighborhoods fell by 43 percent in the first two years of the initiative, and the National League of Cities has recognized Minneapolis's approach as one of the most innovative models for
In this City Voices and Perspectives publication, Denver City Councilman Paul D. López describes innovative strategies that simultaneously address both gang violence and the lack of healthy, affordable food in west Denver. The urban farming and mural programs highlighted in City Voices and Perspectives: Paul D. López illustrate how the combination of political will, strong partnerships and a public health approach can transform neighborhoods for the better.
The Spectrum of Prevention provides a valuable framework for preventing sexual violence at all levels--by changing organizational practices, influencing policy and building coalitions, in addition to educating individuals and communities. This chapter describes how community-based efforts can use the Spectrum to expand the scope of work and maximize impact. It presents detailed examples of successful strategies that all work in tandem to prevent sexual violence. Learn to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy, evaluate outcomes, and engage key partners to address this complex problem
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