Research

At the Violence Prevention Institute, our research addresses the root causes and consequences of violence and translates findings into evidence-based programs, policies, and interventions. 

Participants in VPI's E2E program take a field trip to BMike Studios

Through an interdisciplinary, multi-level, and equity-driven approach, VPI produces research and publications that advance knowledge, inform practice, and shape policy. Our work demonstrates how rigorous, collaborative, and community-centered research can generate practical solutions that improve health, safety, and well-being locally, nationally, and globally.

Interdisciplinary

 Our work is interdisciplinary, spanning public health, medicine, nursing, mental health, social sciences, education, and community engagement. Faculty, students, and community partners collaborate to capture the complexity of violence and develop solutions informed by diverse expertise.

Multi-level

 VPI research is also multi-level, examining violence at the individual, relational, community, and societal levels. This approach reveals how personal experiences, social networks, environmental contexts, and structural forces interact to shape risk and resilience, guiding interventions and policies across domains.

Equity-driven

A core principle of our research is equity. We center historically marginalized groups disproportionately affected by violence, addressing systemic inequities and ensuring inclusive representation in research, program design, and policy recommendations. By doing so, we promote justice, opportunity, and safety for all communities. 

Focus Areas

VPI research explores key areas where violence impacts health and equity. Faculty projects examine causes, risk and protective factors, and prevention strategies, with publications highlighting evidence-based solutions, community partnerships, and policy-relevant insights.

Participants of VPI's E2E program listen to guest speakers
Participants of the Organize and Mobilize program receive individual mentoring.

Approaches

Our research methods are intentional, rigorous, and inclusive—ensuring evidence is both actionable and impactful. These approaches strengthen understanding, guide practice, and enhance the effectiveness of violence prevention research.

Publications

VPI publications span diverse forms of violence and prevention strategies. By translating evidence into programs and policies, our work informs practitioners, policymakers, and communities, advancing equity in violence prevention.

VPI staff member presents on research at a conference.
Attendees at CYE's first Youth Art Contest + Exhibit

Projects

VPI projects address violence from interpersonal to systemic levels, across the life course and among diverse populations. They include federally funded centers and projects, graduate fellowships, policy-focused data analysis, and community-driven initiatives—advancing equity and translating research into meaningful change.

Address

1440 Canal Street, Suite 1510, New Orleans, LA 70112

social media

@tulanevpi

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