Cuts to violence prevention
Violence is down, but prevention is under threat
Crime has declined nationwide, driven in part by investments in community violence intervention, school-based prevention, and local safety strategies. These programs reduce shootings and interrupt cycles of harm.
Despite their proven impact, more than $800 million in federal funding has been cut—putting frontline organizations and the communities they protect at risk.
Proven impact
Communities know what works
Communities nationwide have implemented proactive strategies to prevent violence. Proven approaches such as community violence intervention, youth engagement, and focused deterrence reduce harm by targeting individuals at the highest risk. Genuine safety involves minimizing harm to victims initially, rather than merely responding after incidents occur.
01
63% reduction in shootings
A community violence intervention program in East Harlem reduced shootings by 63%. Trusted community members mediated conflicts, interrupted retaliation, and connected people to support. The result was measurable, sustained reductions in gun violence.
02
29% reduction in youth violence
School-based prevention programs have reduced violence among high school students by 29%. These initiatives provide mentorship, conflict resolution skills, and positive pathways during critical developmental years. By intervening early, they help young people avoid violence and long-term system involvement.
03
Prevention builds trust
Community violence intervention programs enhance relationships between residents and institutions by utilizing credible messengers and trauma-informed care. These programs engage directly with individuals at the highest risk to prevent harm through connection, accountability, and support. The result is not only a reduction in incidents but also the development of stronger, safer communities over time.
Take action
Learn more about the cuts to violence prevention
Download our one-page explainer that details what the administration is doing, it’s impact, and the ways to get involved.
What's being cut
Federal cuts undermine public safety
The Department of Justice has slashed funding for mental health care, substance use treatment, and victim support services. These programs have long been part of a bipartisan strategy to prevent crime and stabilize communities. Cutting them weakens the very systems that help reduce harm before it happens.
// Behavioral health cuts
$88 million slashed from behavior health
The Department of Justice has eliminated $88 million in grants supporting mental health services and substance use treatment. Community crisis response programs now face shutdowns, limiting alternatives to police intervention. Without these supports, more people in crisis are funneled into jails instead of care.
Read more from the Brennan Center →
// Incarceration impact
44% of jailed people have mental health needs
Forty-four percent of people in jail have a diagnosed mental health condition, compared to 23 percent of the general population. An estimated 58 percent of people in prison have a substance use disorder. Reducing access to treatment increases the likelihood of arrest and deepens costly, ineffective cycles of incarceration.
// Victim services
Victim support systems dismantled
Federal grant cuts are destabilizing victim support programs that provide emergency housing, counseling, and legal assistance. Organizations have been forced to lay off staff and scale back essential services. These reductions erode decades of bipartisan commitment to supporting survivors of crime.
More from the Brennan Center →
// Grant cancellations
$50 million eliminated from victims services
More than $50 million in victim service grants have been canceled, cutting off funding for survivor assistance and compensation programs. A 40 percent budget cut to Activating Change has severely impacted disability support services. Survivors now face longer waits and fewer pathways to safety and recovery.
// Disproportionate harm
Vulnerable communities hit hardest
Low-income communities, survivors with disabilities, immigrant families, and communities of color are bearing the brunt of these cuts. These groups rely heavily on publicly funded services for protection and recovery. When funding disappears, safety gaps widen for those already at greatest risk.
Latest resources & news
Violence prevention cuts make headlines
These stories make clear that these cuts are shortsighted and bad for public safety
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