Center for Violence Prevention

Violence is a public health epidemic in our country. Tragically, today more than 40 percent of kids in the U.S. are exposed to some form of violence – in their home, their schools, or their neighborhoods.

The mission of the Center for Violence Prevention (CVP) at CHOP (formerly the Violence Prevention Initiative) is to reduce the exposure to and impact of violence among children, teens, and families. We conduct community-focused research and design innovative, evidence-based programs that are implemented, disseminated and sustained across clinical, school and neighborhood settings. Our work is trauma-informed and rooted in racial equity and social justice.

CVP Vision Statement

To be a national leader and innovator in violence prevention programming and research, supporting communities in which children, teens and families can be safe and thrive.

The Impact of Youth Violence

The impact of youth violence can travel with a child throughout their lifetime, leaving deep scars and affecting their long term health. It is critical that health care systems address the physical, emotional and psychological toll of violence exposure on children and their families. The Center for Violence Prevention applies a research-to-action-to-impact approach to address exposure to and impact of violence in the lives of our patients and their families by developing, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based programs and initiatives. Read more about our programs and view 2025 impact highlights in the graphic below.

An Expert Team

Our multidisciplinary team is comprised of researchers, clinicians and specialized staff who understand the causes and impact of different types of violence on children and families. The team uses its collective expertise to help shape policy, engage community partners, and create, implement, and study evidence-based interventions. Click here to meet our team.

Violence Prevention Training and Programming

Violence on children and families is undoubtedly shaped by discrimination, leading to health care disparities and poor health outcomes. The Center for Violence Prevention is committed to promoting and supporting equity and social justice for all individuals and groups through its research, training, and programs. To combat discrimination, CVP is contributing to the development of internal trainings and programs at CHOP to increase respect and belonging and decrease microaggressions, as well as school-based professional development trainings for teachers to promote classroom unity and cooperation and decrease identity-based disrespectful behaviors.

Read more about anti-discrimination training and programming at CVP.