2025 VPI REPORT IS HERE

2025 VIOLENCE PREVENTION INDEX REPORT

Community Justice's fourth annual Violence Prevention Index (VPI) is the only national analysis of municipalities’ programs, services, and policies designed to reduce gun and other forms of violence. The 2025 VPI assesses the 100 U.S. cities with the highest incidence of gun violence in 2021 and 2022 based on 35 criteria spanning three categories: Intervention and Risk Factor Reduction, Addressing the Root Causes of Violence, and Local Offices of Violence Prevention.

The VPI evaluates the structural framework and resources each rated municipality has established for community violence prevention readiness. Rather than measuring crime rates or evaluating the performance of individual programs or elected officials, it examines whether municipalities have the policies, systems, partnerships, and public investments necessary to support comprehensive, evidence-informed violence prevention strategies in the jurisdictions most impacted by firearm violence. This report identifies the priority areas for cities to effectively reduce gun violence in Black and brown communities over time.

Want to learn more about the 2025 Violence Prevention Index?

Join us on August 27 at 4 PM ET for the 2025 Violence Prevention Index Breakdown webinar, where we’ll walk through the findings, unpack what the Index measures, and explore how the report can be used as a tool for local advocacy in support of violence prevention and reduction initiatives.

REGISTER HERE.

2025 REPORT

The 2025 VPI comes at a pivotal moment. 2025 saw significant policy shifts at the federal level, including the cancellation and scaling back of funding for violence prevention and the implementation of a law enforcement-centric approach to violence reduction. These changes make it more critical than ever that city leaders hold the line and ensure that life-saving progress is not reversed. The Violence Prevention Index is designed to help local leaders identify strengths, address gaps, and prioritize investments that can improve public safety and save lives. By providing a clear, policy-focused roadmap, the VPI equips policymakers, practitioners, advocates, and community leaders with actionable insights to strengthen local violence prevention systems and advance safer, healthier communities for all.