CDC Special Supplement: Issues, Evidence & Public Health
Implications of Protective Factors for Youth Violence
Perpetration Homicide continues to be the second leading cause
of death for youth ages 15-24, and the leading cause of death
for African American youth. More than 700,000 young people ages
10 to 24 were treated in emergency departments in 2010 for
injuries sustained due to violence. But responding to violence
after it happens is only part of the solution. We must prevent
youth violence before it begins. In addition, most youth, even
those living in high risk situations, are not violent and more
must be learned about the factors that are helping youth,
protecting them from engaging in violent behavior so that others
can benefit. One critical step is a better understanding of the
factors that protect youth from engaging in violence. To inform
prevention efforts that enhance protective influences, the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National
Center for Injury Prevention and Control co