Preventing Violent Deaths in America

Violence is not just a law enforcement problem. It is a public health problem of vast proportions. Each year, violence kills 55,000 people in the United States. Violence takes a particular toll on youth. Every day, 13 young people between the ages of 10 and 24 are killed, making homicide the third leading cause of death in this age group.

Violence erodes the very fabric of our communities. Fear associated with violence can cause people to spend less time outdoors being active, socializing with others, and investing in the community. Violence also lowers our productivity, disrupting important public and social services, and decreasing the value of our homes and businesses.

Photo: Doctor using laptop

The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is committed to preventing violent deaths in the U.S. To stop violent deaths, we must first understand all the facts. Linking information about the “who, when, where and how” from data on violent deaths provides insights about “why” they occurred.

National Violent Death Reporting System

CDC uses the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) to provide communities with a clearer understanding of violent deaths so we can prevent them.
Photo: Researcher looking into microscope

Photo: Researcher looking into microscope

NVDRS is a unique, state-based surveillance system that collects facts from different sources about the same incident. The information—from death certificates, police reports, and coroner or medical examiner reports—is pooled into a usable, anonymous database. As NVDRS data become available, state and local violence prevention practitioners use it to guide their prevention programs, policies, and practices.
Today, NVDRS operates in 18 states, pulling together data on violent deaths. NVDRS data help to

Inform decision makers and program planners about the number, trends, and characteristics of violence deaths so prevention efforts can be put into place; and
Facilitate the evaluation of state-based prevention programs.

Photo: Hands typing on computer keyboard

Moving forward, NVDRS states will continue to make better use of data currently being collected. With continued expansion, NVDRS will increase knowledge about where the circumstances for violent deaths exist, the groups who are most at risk, and trends over time. This system can provide a foundation upon which to build many activities and processes necessary for successful violence prevention.