“Everyone has an important role in stopping youth violence before it starts. Youth violence is a significant public health problem that affects thousands of young people each day, and in turn, their families, schools, and communities.” – Source
Our Mission
Empower youth with the tools and resources to live full and rich lives.
Our Vision
A future where young lives are not lost to community violence.
15-24
Nationally, homicide is the second leading cause of death among youth 15-24 years of age. In Richmond, Virginia, homicide is the leading cause of death among our youth.
Black and male
The rate of homicide among victims ages 10-24 years declined steeply between 2004 and 2009 from 10.9 per 10,000 to 2.5 per 1,000. The rate then fluctuated, but overall gradually increased between 2010 and 2017 to 6.7 per 10,000 and was followed by decreases in 2018 and 2019 to 5.6 per 10,000. There was no marked demographic difference between homicide victims and offenders; the majority were black and male.
344
There were 344 deaths attributed to homicide between 2003 and 2017 among 10-24 year olds. The majority (95%) occurred in Richmond city and were Richmond city residents (79%).
21%
From 2003 - 2017, most injuries that resulted in homicide occurred in the north, northeast, eastern, southcentral and southeastern parts of the city. The highest concentrations of injuries were located in four block groups located directly north and northeast of downtown and in one block group in the southcentral area. About one-fifth of victims (21%) resided outside of Richmond city, but the injuries that resulted in homicide occurred within the city’s boundaries.