Law enforcement and communities are continuing to work diligently to reduce crime, but unfortunately, despite these efforts, violent crimes remain a serious problem in some communities. Notably, violence committed by or against youth is not just an issue of public safety but also a matter of public health. Young people whose energies are taken up by fearing and avoiding involvement in crime can be distracted from focusing on doing well in school, enjoying the comfort and safety of good health, and thriving in the same ways as their peers who live in safer circumstances.
