Why Evidence Matters in Violence Prevention

Effective prevention isn’t about checking a box. It’s about using strategies proven to reduce violence and create real safety.

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Here’s the thing about prevention: it’s not about checking a box.

Too often, organizations roll out a program because it looks good, it’s easy to implement, or it satisfies a requirement. The problem? If that program doesn’t actually reduce the risk for violent behavior, it’s not prevention—it’s paperwork.

And the stakes couldn’t be higher. Violence derails lives, shatters communities, and costs our society trillions of dollars. Yes, trillions!

Every hour, every dollar spent on something that doesn’t work is time and money taken away from strategies that could actually keep people safe.

That’s why evidence matters.

An evidence-based strategy isn’t just a good idea—it’s one that’s been tested, measured, and proven to make a difference. Research shows that most quick, one-off education sessions don’t cut it. They may raise awareness, but they don’t change behavior. Real prevention requires more. Multi-level approaches that shift norms in schools, strengthen family and community supports, and create safer environments have been shown to reduce violence at the population level.

But let’s be honest—this work is hard. You don’t have to do it alone.

That’s where we come in. At Violence Prevention Solutions, we partner with you to identify and implement prevention strategies that are grounded in evidence and tailored to your community. Together, we can move beyond box-checking to real, lasting impact.

Because prevention isn’t about looking good. It’s about making people safer.

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Ready to take the guesswork out of prevention?

Schedule a 30-minute discovery call with me, and let’s talk about how to put evidence into action for your community.