Violence trending downward in Alameda Co. amid investments into prevention programs, data shows
OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Violence is the leading cause of death for young people in Alameda County. The latest county data shows it is the number one cause for those ages 15 to 19 and 20 to 24, and the second leading cause between the ages of 10 and 14.
Still, violence is trending downward, according to Alameda County Supervisor Elisa Márquez.
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"I think that has to do with we are investing our money into these services. We are elevating the issue. We are not hiding around the seriousness of it," Márquez said.
On Thursday, the county's Public Protection Committee, chaired by Márquez, held a special meeting to discuss gun violence and the impact of violence prevention programs across the county.
"This is a public health crisis. And on Nov. 18, we invested an additional $3 million over the next three years to address these issues," Márquez said.
MORE: Alameda County report finds racial, economic disparities in gun deaths
Investments coming from the county are one reason some community groups believe progress is being made.
"Being able to have (Alameda County) at the helm, being able for them to go after funding that can help support the efforts, will be long lasting," said Jamaica Sowell with Roots Community Health.
Data presented from the public health department shows that since 2022, homicides have been on the decline in Alameda County, while the rest of California is ticking slightly upwards in this category. Oakland, the county's largest city, is also trending down. However, Hayward is seeing an uptick.
In the meantime, there has been a big spike in deaths related to domestic violence in the county. And while Alameda County is on a downward trajectory related to suicides, the City of Berkeley is seeing a jump in this category.
MORE: Oakland reports 34% drop in homicides after identifying people at high-risk for gun violence
Joe Griffin is executive director of Youth ALIVE!, which works on violence prevention. He reported that Alameda County is also seeing a change in the demographics of those impacted by violence.
"We are seeing survivors of violence tend to be older," Griffin said. "And, we are actually seeing that the age group is far wider. We are also seeing people who are impacted by violence here in Oakland, aren't necessarily (Oakland) residents."
Márquez said she is also pleased with data that shows greater collaboration between the Asian American and Black communities.
"That is something we hear a lot of stigmatism around," she said. "The fact that West Oakland and the AAPI communities are coming together to build community, to break those barriers, get to know one another, that is an example of what we need to be doing throughout this entire county."
