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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction

@vrcinfo.bsky.social
118 followers 21 following 198 posts

The Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction (the VRC) at the University of Maryland translates sound science into practical anti-violence policy.

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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 1h
The City of St. Louis Department of Public Safety is seeking a Commissioner of the Office of Violence Prevention. This is a key leadership role in the City's implementation of Save Lives Now! Apply here: careers.stlouis-mo.gov/careersectio... Be sure to share this opportunity with your network!
careers.stlouis-mo.gov
Commissioner of Violence Prevention
Click the link provided to see the complete job description.
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
“In the research, the challenge in the gun violence sphere is not discovery. It’s disciplined application.” VRC Director @thomasabt.bsky.social on the challenges of translating knowledge into practice.
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
VRC Director @thomasabt.bsky.social joined Marcus Ellis, Latisha McNeil and Kim Gutierrez for @thetrace.org’s #SaferTogether forum. They discussed how cities can implement effective violence reduction strategies. Watch the full panel: www.youtube.com/watch?v=josH...
youtube.com
Watch: No-Excuses Strategies for Safer Cities
YouTube video by The Trace
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
VRC Director @thomasabt.bsky.social joined @thetrace.org #SaferTogether Forum discussing approaches to reducing violence and building safer communities. VRC takeaway: Effective violence reduction requires implementing evidence-informed strategies with fidelity and discipline.
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
The St. Louis region is implementing three evidence-informed strategies: focused deterrence, street outreach, and cognitive behavioral therapy. The VRC is proud to support St. Louis’ continued efforts to reduce violence. Read here: www.stlmag.com/news/save-li...
stlmag.com
Save Lives Now! pushes forward in St. Louis despite political complications
Save Lives Now! is still alive. That was a big takeaway from Wednesday’s meeting of the advisory council of this region-wide, evidence-based initiative to quell gun violence in St. Louis—an initiative...
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Did the DC takeover cause crime to fall? @thomasabt.bsky.social spoke with @washingtonpost.com about the importance of considering all the factors when evaluating the impact of violence reduction efforts. Read more: archive.ph/JXId5#select...
archive.ph
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
What do the numbers say? Crime is down in St.Louis More cases are being cleared by police, while OVP and street outreach teams work to prevent violence where it is most concentrated. St. Louis is doing the work to sustain the progress. Read here: www.stltoday.com/news/local/c...
stltoday.com
Messenger: Crime drops in cities. Even the White House says so. Trust the numbers now?
Violent crime continues to drop in St. Louis, as in most cities across the U.S. Here's who deserves the credit.
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Crime is down in Washington, D.C. But what explains the decline? VRC Director @thomasabt.bsky.social spoke with @pbsnews.org about why the trend that preceded the National Guard deployment matters when evaluating its impact. www.pbs.org/video/dc-dep...
pbs.org
PBS News Hour | The effectiveness of the National Guard deployment in D.C. | Season 2026
The effectiveness and cost of the National Guard deployment in D.C.
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Building safer neighborhoods was at the forefront of @cityofatlantaga.bsky.social practicum. Stakeholders came together to identify coordinated, people-centered approaches to reducing violence and saving lives. Stay connected for the practicum recommendations. atl.direct/atlanta-lead...
atl.direct
Atlanta Leaders Come Together to Build the City's Next Violence Reduction Strategy
Mayor Andre Dickens welcomed participants Monday as the City launched the Atlanta Practicum on Partnership-Based Violence Reduction, a four-day training and planning session led by the Violence Reduct...
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
“Our commitment to reducing gun violence in the Bull City requires total collaboration across local governments, organizations already doing this critical work, and our residents.” — Mayor Leonardo Williams.
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
This week, the @cityofatlantaga.bsky.social is bringing together the information, people, and resources needed to strengthen its violence reduction strategy. Read more here: atl.direct/atlanta-lead...
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
ICYMI: @cityofdurhamnc.bsky.social and @durhamcounty.bsky.social has released their recommendations from the Summit on Saving Lives. Grounded in community-informed and evidence-informed approaches, it outlines a path forward for violence reduction. Read here: www.durhamnc.gov/m/NewsFlash/...
durhamnc.gov
City and County Announce Recommendations from Summit on Saving Lives to Reduce Violence in Durham
Data-Driven Effort Will Focus Local Resources, Strengthen Community Partnerships, and Establish Shared Accountability to Save LivesFollowing the 3-day Summit on Saving Lives held in June, the City of
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
No single strategy is enough to reduce violence on its own. Through the East-West Gateway Council of Governments, Save Lives Now! brings focused deterrence, CBT, and street outreach together, three strategies, one coordinated approach. Thank you to the partners on this work.
firstalert4.com
Save Lives Now: Regional crime strategy targets highest-risk people and places in St. Louis area
A regional initiative called Save Lives Now is bringing together law enforcement, researchers and community organizations across the St. Louis area to address violent crime through a strategy that com...
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
From Durham to Baltimore to St. Louis, conversations about evidence-informed violence reduction continue to gain momentum. See where the VRC's collaboration was featured this quarter in our latest newsletter. Read more: mailchi.mp/9e5a21f86e4f...
mailchi.mp
VRC Newsletter: Striking the Balance
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
In this article, VRC Director @thomasabt.bsky.social cautions against easy answers when it comes to crime reduction: “I haven’t seen any hard evidence that suggests that aggressive immigration enforcement has any effect on crime, positive or negative...It takes time for research to come out.”
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
What happens when community members, practitioners, and officials come together around evidence? @cityofdurhamnc.bsky.social and @durhamcounty.bsky.social's Summit on Saving Lives, participants shaped a set of recommendations for reducing gun violence. Read more: mailchi.mp/9e5a21f86e4f...
mailchi.mp
VRC Newsletter: Striking the Balance
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Our latest Violence Reduction Center newsletter is here! Explore the latest updates from the VRC, including progress across partner jurisdictions, recent convenings, research, and the people driving this work forward. Read here: mailchi.mp/9e5a21f86e4f...
mailchi.mp
VRC Newsletter: Striking the Balance
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Throughout Durham’s Summit on Saving Lives, participants did the work and came together to align on evidence-informed strategies to reduce gun violence. We want to thank the @cityofdurhamnc.bsky.social and @durhamcounty.bsky.social for including the VRC in these important conversations.
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City of Durham, NC @cityofdurhamnc.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Starting soon! 📺 At 9am, tune in to join our live stream of the City-County Summit on Saving Lives ➡️ youtube.com/@CityofDurhamNC/streams
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
The @cityofdurhamnc.bsky.social Summit on Saving Lives will convene community members, practitioners, and policymakers to explore strategies for preventing violence. The VRC looks forward to collaborating with partners to build safer communities. Read more here: www.newsbreak.com/raleigh-news...
newsbreak.com
Durham to host gun violence summit with national experts Wednesday. How you can watch. - NewsBreak
Durham community members and national violence-prevention experts will come together Wednesday to try to save lives from gun violence. Organizers say the S
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
At the Baltimore Together Summit, @thomasabt.bsky.social celebrated Baltimore’s historic drop in violence. He also emphasized that sustaining this progress will require continued focus, strong partnerships, and a commitment to saving lives. More on the event: www.umms.org/ummc/news/20...
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
VRC Director @thomasabt.bsky.social delivered the keynote address at the Baltimore Together Summit on Violence Prevention, emphasizing the importance of sustained commitment to building a safer Baltimore for all, while also celebrating the city’s progress in violence prevention.
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
Congratulations to VRC intern Joanee Dias on her graduation from the University of Maryland! Joanee graduated summa cum laude from with a bachelor’s in Criminology & Criminal Justice and a minor in Law & Society.
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Save Lives Now! is a St. Louis regional violence reduction initiative working toward one shared goal: saving lives and making communities safer. With continued collaboration and investment, that impact can grow. Learn more: www.ewgateway.org/save-lives-n...
ewgateway.org
Save Lives Now! – East-West Gateway Council of Governments (EWGCOG)
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Thomas Abt @thomasabt.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Still far too much murder in the U.S., but this is remarkable progress. H/t @jeffasher.bsky.social
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
Former Ferguson Mayor Ella Jones' op-ed in the St. Louis American highlights the importance of continued investment in Save Lives Now! and the collaborative role stakeholders play in strengthening community safety. Read here: www.ewgateway.org/wp-content/u...
ewgateway.org
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
Sustaining violence reduction efforts like Save Lives Now! means investing in public safety, supporting communities, and preventing future harm across the St. Louis region. Saving lives should remain a shared goal. Read the latest coverage here: www.stltoday.com/news/local/c...
stltoday.com
Messenger: A plan to reduce homicides in St. Louis is working. Can it be sustained?
Save Lives Now! effort isn't fully implemented but homicides are dropping in St. Louis. Future funding remains elusive.
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Last week in St. Louis, leaders came together for the Save Lives Now! Collab Lab. Facilitated by the VRC, we heard perspectives from Mayor Cara Spencer, St. Louis County Director of Violence Reduction Thomas Crees, Mission: St. Louis' Jason Watson, and VRC Director @thomasabt.bsky.social
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Yesterday VRC Director Thomas Abt and Deputy Director Amber Parker were in St. Louis to facilitate a conversation about the region's SaveLivesNow! initiative. Bottom line: the strategy is working but needs more support to be fully functional. www.firstalert4.com/2026/04/30/s...
firstalert4.com
St. Louis region works to refine violence prevention initiative “Save Lives Now”
Leaders from St. Louis County, St. Louis City and St. Clair County met at Saint Louis University Thursday to work on collaborative anti-violence initiatives.
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
Today we are in St. Louis, facilitating a SaveLivesNow! CollabLab. We've been supporting this regional anti-violence initiative for more than two years. Read about SLN! here: ewgateway.org/save-lives-n...
ewgateway.org
Save Lives Now! – East-West Gateway Council of Governments (EWGCOG)
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Check out the latest Violence Reduction Center newsletter, Getting to Zero. Stay informed on current initiatives, updates, and progress toward reducing violence. Read the newsletter: mailchi.mp/51c8928aff68... Stay connected: umd.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...
mailchi.mp
VRC Newsletter: Getting to Zero
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
Myth: Violence interrupters just “talk to people.” Fact: Community violence interrupters are skilled professionals who step into high-risk moments to prevent violence. Thank you to the interrupters doing this life-saving work. Example: Roca Inc’s intervention model rocainc.org/how-we-do-it...
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
Check out this valuable resource from the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform Identifying High-Risk Populations for a Public Health Approach to Community Violence Intervention. Access the report here: nicjr.org/files/galler... Join the upcoming webinar: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
us06web.zoom.us
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Identifying High Risk Populations for a Public Health Approach to Community Violence Intervention. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email ...
Join David Muhammad, Mikaela Rabinowitz, and Shantay Jackson from NICJR and Vaughn Crandall from the University of Pennsylvania Crime and Justice Policy Lab, as they present their recently released pr...
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
The VRC congratulates Knoxville on their meaningful progress. Knoxville’s strategy, led by Mayor Kincannon and carried out by the Office of Community Safety, police, and partners, reflects what works: focused, balanced, fair people-and place-based approaches. knoxvilletnpolice.gov/2026/04/firs....
knoxvilletnpolice.gov
First-quarter crime data shows continued drop in violent crime, property crime - Knoxville Police Department
Knoxville has continued to see a dramatic decrease in crime through the first quarter of 2026. From January 1 through March 31, 2026, there were no murders in Knoxville, down from four at the same tim...
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
Join the UMD Community THRIVES Laboratory Symposium on Family and Intimate Partner Violence Prevention on April 10th. We’re honored to co-sponsor this important event and contribute to meaningful conversations around prevention and awareness. Register here: www.eventbrite.com/e/family-and...
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
Good news from the City of Knoxville. To quote Mayor Indya Kincannon, "Knoxville crime prevention efforts are paying off." knoxvilletnpolice.gov/2026/04/firs....
knoxvilletnpolice.gov
First-quarter crime data shows continued drop in violent crime, property crime - Knoxville Police Department
Knoxville has continued to see a dramatic decrease in crime through the first quarter of 2026. From January 1 through March 31, 2026, there were no murders in Knoxville, down from four at the same tim...
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
Developed by the Joyce Foundation, this research report highlights what works in reducing gun violence: centering communities, building trust, and aligning research with real-world practice. Worth revisiting for anyone committed to community-driven solutions. www.urban.org/sites/defaul...
urban.org
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Thomas Abt @thomasabt.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
Here's a nice NYT piece on Camden, a violence reduction success story. As you can see, it's not one thing, it's many. It's the police, but not just the police, it's the community as well. Success is hard to reduce to a bumper sticker. www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
nytimes.com
How Camden, N.J., Cut Its Murder Rate to a 40-Year Low
In their own words, members of the community tell the story of how change came to the city, once among the nation’s deadliest.
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Thomas Abt @thomasabt.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
To learn more, get the white paper, and check out a webinar on the same topic, go here: vrc.umd.edu/convenings
vrc.umd.edu
Convenings
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Thomas Abt @thomasabt.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
If you work in the violence reduction field, you already know how social media can catalyze violence IRL. We need to move beyond mere awareness to developing, implementing, and testing concrete strategies.
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
In the News: VRC Founding Director, @thomasabt.bsky.social speaks to The Guardian about findings from the VRC Symposium on Social Media and Community Violence - including what can be done to identify and address escalating interactions online. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026... #gunviolence
theguardian.com
How social media is fuelling violence in overlooked US communities
Thomas Abt, a researcher, says online taunts and barbs from songs can intensify shootings in underserved areas
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
When engagement fuels harm — Preventing escalation takes alignment among tech platforms, violence interrupters, researchers, law enforcement, and the young people most affected. www.techpolicy.press/social-media... #socialmedia #communityviolence #gunviolence
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
Smart coordination saves lives — Preventing online violence depends on cross-sector collaboration that prioritizes trust, bringing together tech platforms, violence interrupters, law enforcement, and communities. www.techpolicy.press/social-media... #socialmedia #communityviolence #gunviolence
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
The time to act is now. Prevention requires coordination and commitment from tech platforms, community violence interrupters, researchers, law enforcement and impacted youth. www.techpolicy.press/social-media... #communityviolence #socialmedia #gunviolence
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
In high-risk communities, online conflict accelerates offline retaliation, write Thomas Abt, Desmond Patton, and Joseph Richardson. Prevention requires coordination and commitment from tech platforms, community violence interrupters, researchers, law enforcement and impacted youth.
techpolicy.press
Social Media Fuels Community Violence. Prevention Needs an Upgrade.
Online conflict accelerates retaliation and compresses the timeline from conflict to crisis, write Thomas Abt, Desmond Patton, and Joseph Richardson.
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
The VRC hosted a Symposium on Social Media and Community Violence. A new paper, “Addressing the Role of Social Media in Catalyzing Community Gun Violence,” shares conclusions & recommendations. The paper & a recording of the release webinar is now available - vrc.umd.edu/convenings #gunviolence
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
The VRC is in the news -- A great feature on our new white paper: Addressing the Role of Social Media in Catalyzing Community Gun Violence. #communityviolence #violence #socialmedia davisvanguard.org/2026/03/viol...
davisvanguard.org
Symposium Explores Social Media's Role in Community Violence - Davis Vanguard
The University of Maryland's Violence Reduction Center hosted a symposium to examine the connection between social media and community violence, bringing together researchers, youth voices, law enforc...
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
The VRC published "Addressing the Role of Social Media in Catalyzing Community Gun Violence", a white paper that documents symposium discussions, describes new strategies, proposes pilot programs, and identifies areas for future research. Watch a recording of webinar release: vrc.umd.edu/convenings
vrc.umd.edu
Convenings
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 07/03/2026
The VRC just released a new white paper on social media and community violence and UMD’s College of Behavioral and Social Sciences did a nice writeup on it. Our thanks to @progressumd.bsky.social and @everytown.org for supporting this important work. Read here: bsos.umd.edu/featured-con...
bsos.umd.edu
VRC Publishes Paper Concerning Social Media’s Connection to Community Violence
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Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction @vrcinfo.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
Excellent integration of the conclusions and recommendations found in our new white paper Addressing the Role of Social Media in Catalyzing Community Gun Violence. Thanks to Crime and Justice News for the attribution. Read here: crimjj.wordpress.com/2026/03/06/s...
crimjj.wordpress.com
Slowly Adapting to Social Media That Drives Community Violence
It’s no secret that conflicts on social media increasingly drive community violence. Today, many if not most rivalries between potentially violent individuals and groups have an online component. C…
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