A survey of community-based violence prevention and control efforts in Minnesota

Rates of interpersonal violence at the national level in the United States exceed those of other industrialized nations; evidence of violence exists at the state level as well. Yet, data that identify the magnitude of the problem, pertinent risk factors, and efficacy of intervention efforts are limited. Faculty at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health conducted a survey to assess the extent to which violence prevention research and programmatic efforts exist statewide. Study findings served as a basis for developing a relevant research agenda and prioritizing limited academic resources. This paper describes the survey and development of an academic-community partnership that fosters collaborative research on violence prevention that will hopefully contribute to control of the violence epidemic.