Violence Policy Center

In 2023, nearly 47,000 Americans died in gun suicides, homicides, and unintentional shootings as a result of the ready availability, and accessibility, of specific classes of firearms. Gun violence is more than a crime issue; it is a broad-based public health crisis of which crime is merely the most recognized aspect. The Violence Policy Center (VPC) releases hard-hitting, fact-based studies on a full range of gun violence issues and advocates for effective policies to reduce firearms violence. The VPC also works with national, state, and local advocacy organizations representing affected constituencies—such as women, children, minorities, consumers, and public health practitioners—to keep our neighborhoods, homes, schools, and workplaces safe from gun violence.