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Contra Costa has experienced a shocking increase in street violence in our communities. Both homicides and the number of shootings have increased dramatically from their 2001 low. Although the data shows that the impact on young African American men in our county is extraordinary, no community in our County escapes the impact of violence. A sampling of statistics illustrates the scope of this public health problem:
- Homicide is the third leading cause of death among all Contra Costa residents under 25 years of age.
- Nearly half of the homicides occur among people living in Richmond.
- Concord and Antioch have the next highest percentage of homicides, at 9% each in 2003.
- 60% of all firearm-related homicides are African American males age 15-34 years.
- 80% of the homicide deaths in West County are due to firearms.
Our latest report: Community Health Indicators for Contra Costa County 2007
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Violence Prevention Event: "Violence Hurts Everyone" (1.5mb PDF, 2pp.) - November 29
Services for West County Residents Affected by Violence
Working Together
to Reduce Violence
Definition
Contra Costa Health Services has adopted a community-determined definition of street violence as: homicides, aggravated and other assaults, drive-by shootings, gang activities, robbery, rape, car jacking and verbal intimidation.
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