The immediate, lasting, and multigenerational effects of violence ultimately influence society. Violence adversely affects Californian’s public health and welfare in all stages of life, through premature death, injury, disability, medical costs, lost productivity, individual and community trauma, and social and economic destabilization. Additionally, communities of color are disproportionately impacted; concentrated, segregated areas of poverty grow; and community resilience and trust are diminished, resulting in persistent inequities. 

​Disparities

Though violence affects all Californians, there are significant disparities in the burden of and exposure to violence across socioeconomic and population demographics and across communities. These inequities are influenced by complex and interconnecting factors, including socioeconomic status, systemic racism, access to education and healthcare, community resources and other social determinants of health. 

• ​1 in 3 women (31.5 percent) have experienced violence in an intimate partner relationship in their lifetime. 
• Young Black men (ages 15–29), compared to other racial groups, are nearly six times more likely to die from gun violence. ​
• Homicide rates increased by 31% in 2020, and increased to a lesser extent in 2021. The highest rates of homicide were seen among males, adults aged 25–44, and people who are Black (PDF).​ 
• Homicide is the second leading cause of injury death for infants, behind unintentional suffocation.
• Youth ages 10–14 are more likely to die from suicide than motor vehicle crashes. 
• Hate crime events increased 10 percent in 2017, with notable increases in crimes involving anti-Latino and anti-Islamic bias. 
  
• Older white men living in rural counties have the highest rates of suicide. ​​