NCIPC DIVISION OF VIOLENCE PREVENTION

5-YEAR STRATEGIC VISION

Violence is a widespread public health problem that impacts 

all of us and occurs in many forms, such as: 

• Child abuse and neglect

• Youth violence

• Intimate partner violence

• Child sexual abuse

• Sexual violence

• Elder abuse

Experiencing violence has a profound impact on lifelong health, opportunity, and well-being. 

Individuals exposed to violence are often at higher risk of developing physical and mental 

health conditions, experiencing other forms of violence, and experiencing educational or 

job challenges. These significant consequences jeopardize the health and well-being of 

families and communities and cost society hundreds of billions of dollars in medical care and 

lost productivity. Yet decades of research have proven that violence is preventable and have 

identified evidence-based policies, programs, and practices that reduce violence and its 

health and social consequences.

DVP’S CRITICAL ROLE

For nearly 40 years, CDC’s Division of Violence Prevention (DVP) has utilized and shared the 

best available data and conducted research to identify what works to prevent various forms 

of violence. DVP brings together partners and connects data, science, and action to inform 

the development, implementation, and sustainability of violence prevention strategies proven 

to be effective. Three strategic priorities that will focus our efforts over the next five years 

are detailed in the circles to the right.

G U I D I N G P R I N C I P L E S 

The foundation for how we approach this work and make decisions is grounded 

in four principles: 

• Advance economic, gender, and racial equity

• Enhance positive relationships and environment

• Address factors that cut across multiple forms of violence

• Prioritize efforts that create societal- and community-level impact 

VISION

A violence-free society in which 

all people and communities are 

safe, healthy, and thriving.

MISSION

DVP is committed to stopping violence 

before it happens. We provide leadership 

and build bridges across sectors to use data 

and conduct research to inform prevention 

activities. We also identify, evaluate, and 

apply solutions to this preventable public 

health problem. We focus our efforts on 

those at greatest risk for violence to elevate 

the health and well-being of all people.

Expand understanding of how 

to prevent firearm-related 

injuries and deaths

Firearm-related injuries are among the five 

leading causes of death for people aged 1-64. 

Yet critical gaps remain in our understanding 

of the causes and effective prevention 

strategies. DVP supports research that 

addresses these gaps to keep individuals, 

families, schools, workplaces, 

and communities safe.

S T R AT E G I C 

PRIORITIES

Increase the number of people 

exposed to prevention strategies 

proven to reduce violence

Decades of research have identified effective 

violence prevention strategies, yet widespread 

implementation has not been achieved. DVP 

collaborates with funded recipients and other 

partners to disseminate, implement, and scale-up 

proven strategies. 

Reduce adverse childhood 

experiences (ACEs)

Violence is a leading cause of death for young 

people (0-24 years of age). The experience of 

violence and other adversities in childhood 

can impair physical, emotional, and social 

development and diminish lifelong health 

and opportunity. DVP identifies, develops, 

and disseminates prevention strategies that 

protect children and youth from ACEs and 

their consequences.