A Public Health Problem Violence in California and throughout the United States continues to plague our society, even though rates of violence have dropped over the past few years. Youth, in particular, remain disproportionately represented as victims of violent injury and death. California suffers from some of the highest rates of interpersonal violence, which includes assault, child and elder abuse, domestic violence, rape, sexual assault and suicide. Violence is the leading cause of death in the state for youth ages 19 and younger. A public health model considers host, agent and environmental factors in the design of prevention interventions.
Many health professionals see a clear connection between violence and health.
Former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop, M.D., and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have proclaimed violence a major threat to public health. Policy and Public Education Program Research strongly suggests that while a balance of various activities is necessary, policy change is a key factor in promoting public health goals. The purpose of the VPI Policy and Public Education Program is to educate policymakers, opinion leaders, and community residents about policies and best practices that generate new public resources for violence prevention program strategies and to reduce injury and death from firearms. Toward this end, the Foundation provides grants for activities that build the capacity of individuals, local communities and institutions to participate in the process of educating policymakers. Provide information to local, regional and statewide organizing efforts that inform policymakers about promising youth violence prevention programs, policies and strategies, and also inform them about efforts that reduce injuries and deaths from firearms.