Topics > Street Violence & Violence Prevention

Street Violence & Violence Prevention

Contra Costa has experienced a shocking increase in street violence in our communities. Both homicides and the number of shootings have increased dramatically from their 2001 low. Although the data shows that the impact on young African American men in our county is extraordinary, no community in our County escapes the impact of violence. A sampling of statistics illustrates the scope of this public health problem:

  • Homicide is the third leading cause of death among all Contra Costa residents under 25 years of age.
  • Nearly half of the homicides occur among people living in Richmond.
  • Concord and Antioch have the next highest percentage of homicides, at 9% each in 2003.
  • 60% of all firearm-related homicides are African American males age 15-34 years.
  • 80% of the homicide deaths in West County are due to firearms.

Our latest report: Community Health Indicators for Contra Costa County 2007

See our Reports & Publications

Services

- For Contra Costa Teens
- For Contra Costa Adults

Resources & Links

- City of Richmond Office of Violence Prevention
- Violence Prevention (The Prevention Institute)
- County Supervisor John Gioia
Violence Prevention Event: "Violence Hurts Everyone" (1.5mb PDF, 2pp.) - November 29

Services for West County Residents Affected by Violence

Working Together
to Reduce Violence
Definition

Contra Costa Health Services has adopted a community-determined definition of street violence as: homicides, aggravated and other assaults, drive-by shootings, gang activities, robbery, rape, car jacking and verbal intimidation.