Crime can have immediate and long-lasting impacts on individuals, families, institutions and communities. And the scope of the problem is vast, including homicide, domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, school and workplace violence, property crime, and fraud. The recognition and response to victims is key to recovery and resilience. It also informs strategies for crime prevention and community safety.
Scientists from the Center for Community Safety and Crime Prevention study issues related to the prevalence, characteristics, and harms associated with criminal victimization, police and criminal justice response, provision of victim services, and efforts related to crime prevention and community well-being. We examine the costs and consequences of crime on our most vulnerable populations. Staff conduct innovative and rigorous research studies, program evaluations, and provide program and evaluation training and technical assistance. Our combined approaches assess "what works" and inform the development of evidence-based responses, translating research into practice.
Our team brings substantive and methodological expertise from fields including criminology, psychology, public health, legal, social work, , and sociology. We partner with practitioners and local, state and federal institutions. Past and current clients include, among others, the Bureau of Justice Statistics, Administration for Children and Families, National Institute of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime, Office on Violence Against Women, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), Department of State’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, the National Science Foundation, Bureau of Justice Assistance, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration.
