Youth Violence Prevention

An average of 700 young people age 25 and under are directly affected by gun violence in Denver annually, according to death records, emergency department and hospital discharge data and crime reports.

—Denver Health

Young people are witnessing their friends and loved ones die at an alarming rate due to acts of gun violence. In response, Denver is committed to ending violence among youth by merging the many efforts and resources currently available across the city, to tackle this issue more strategically. That is why Mayor Michael B. Hancock has convened the Youth Violence Prevention Action Table (YVPAT) – a conglomerate of youth, community and city leaders, to identify immediate and actionable items needed to support youth violence prevention efforts.

“We can only break the cycle of youth violence by engaging young people in the conversation about solutions,” Mayor Hancock said.  “We want them to reach for resources, not weapons.  We want them to find fulfillment, not become trapped in the criminal justice system.  It is time for less talk and more action that champions young people’s ideas and voices.”

According to Denver Health, “…an average of 700 young people less than 25 years of age are directly affected by gun violence in Denver annually.”  The YVPAT calls on Denver’s clergy, business community, nonprofits, education advocates, youth, and all residents to join the efforts to save young lives.

Youth Violence Prevention Action Table

Convened in 2019 under the leadership of Denver City Attorney Kristin M. Bronson, the Youth Violence Prevention Action Table increases communication and information sharing among city agencies, community organizations, and youth to address gaps and opportunities where the city can increase support. Additionally, the Action Table was tasked with developing a public health approach to youth violence prevention in a set of strategies outlined in a December 2020 report. In February 2021, the City hired a new Youth Violence Prevention Program Administrator, Jonathon McMillan, who now serves as Chair of the Action Table and is responsible for implementing the recommendations of the report.

Youth Violence Prevention Videos

Watch Mayor Hancock's "The Rest of The Story with Mayor Hancock" videos as well as his "Community Call on Youth Gun Violence", and "Youth Violence Prevention: Action Table: Covid-19: Confronting Two Public Health Crises".