Cure Violence — Chicago

Summary

Cure Violence treats gun violence as a contagious disease, using credible messengers to interrupt transmission before shootings cascade. The Chicago evaluation found meaningful reductions in several communities but not all, and the quasi-experimental design limits causal claims. Subsequent evaluations in Baltimore, Philadelphia, and internationally have produced mixed results. The program is notable for reconceptualizing violence prevention entirely—from criminal justice to public health—and for demonstrating that people with direct experience of violence can be effective interveners. The evidence base is promising but not definitive, making Cure Violence a model case for how to evaluate complex community interventions.

Research question

"Does a public health approach to violence—using outreach workers to interrupt conflicts and change norms—reduce shootings?"

Methodology

Result

Mixed

Shooting reductions of 16–28% in treated communities; statistically significant in 4 of 7 sites; homicide trends improved relative to controls

Evidence strength

Moderate

Quasi-experimental design; causal interpretation requires care.

Replication status

Partially replicated