Center Overview

The UNC Charlotte Violence Prevention Center (VPC) is a catalyst for change in violence prevention. As a multidisciplinary hub, we leverage diverse expertise and collaborate widely to create evidence-based strategies that address and reduce violence. Our Center is rooted in the belief that all communities deserve safety, equity, and resilience, and we work diligently to turn this vision into reality.

Vision

Communities without violence.

Mission

The UNC Charlotte VPC collaborates with communities on research-driven strategies to reduce violence and build safer and more just environments where everyone can thrive.

Values

Our values guide every aspect of our work and define our commitment to communities, innovation, and equity:

  • Accountability & Trust: We uphold transparency and integrity in all our actions, ensuring trust and accountability with our partners, participants, and communities.
  • Collaboration & Collective Impact: Through partnerships and shared goals, we believe in amplifying our impact and fostering solutions that resonate across sectors.
  • Belonging: We address the complex social determinants of violence, promoting fair and inclusive approaches that serve diverse communities.
  • Respect: We engage with all individuals and groups with empathy and consideration, honoring their experiences and perspectives in our work.

Key Domains of Work

At VPC, we specialize in various areas of violence prevention to address the unique needs of different populations and challenges:

  • Youth & Young Adult Violence: Addressing violence impacting youth and young people and shaping programs to foster safe environments.
  • Identity & Gender-based Violence: Focusing on prevention strategies that respect and protect diverse identities, including gender, race, and ethnicity.
  • Self-directed Violence: Understanding and reducing the factors that lead to self-harm and suicide.
  • Social Determinants of Mental Health and Violence: Examining the environmental, economic, and social factors that contribute to violence and mental health outcomes.
  • Mixed-methods Research & Program Evaluation: Applying comprehensive research methods to evaluate and improve violence prevention programs.
  • Policy & Translational Research: Using research to help decision-makers and policymakers inform organizational, state, and national policy to improve violence prevention efforts.

Our Approach

To create a holistic impact, the VPC prioritizes three main approaches:

  • Research: We conduct rigorous, interdisciplinary research to uncover effective violence prevention methods.
  • Education & Training: Through targeted education, we empower community members, professionals, and policymakers to understand and address violence prevention.
  • Community Engagement & Partnership: Collaboration with communities and external organizations helps us tailor solutions that resonate and are sustainable.