Violence Data Update

The goals and recommendations of the Statewide Violence Prevention Plan: 2020-2024 were informed by a needs assessment that analyzed data on violence mostly from 2018. Data updates were needed to prepare for the Statewide Violence Prevention Plan for Illinois: 2025-2029. This Violence Data Update provides updated rates of violence and examines trends in violence rates over time, largely focusing on 2020-2023. Data updates cover child maltreatment, youth violence, and additional forms of violence, including elder abuse, human trafficking, gun violence, and adult violent crimes. Percentages and rates of violence remained consistent across most forms of violence discussed in this report. However, rates of firearm deaths increased in 2020 and 2021 and remained high in 2022. Disparities in rates of violence continued to exist for minoritized groups and in certain geographies. This report aided planning for the Statewide Violence Prevention Plan for Illinois: 2025-2029, helping ensure that recommendations matched data and trends.