Report: Intentional Investment in Delaware’s CVI Ecosystem.
This report outlines human, economic, and structural realities of gun violence in Delaware — and presents a clear path forward
What This Report Highlights
- The Scope of the Crisis
Delaware experiences a firearm death approximately every three days, with violence disproportionately impacting young Black men and historically disinvested communities.
- The Economic Cost
Gun violence costs Delaware an estimated $1.3 billion annually — $1,236 per resident each year. The report makes the fiscal case that prevention is significantly less expensive than continued aftermath response.
- Proof That Investment Works
In communities where sustained CVI investments were made:- Wilmington saw shootings decline to pre-pandemic levels.Laurel reported zero shootings and homicides in 2025 following coordinated intervention efforts.
- A Strategic $5 Million Solution
The report calls for a $5 million recurring state investment — just $4.75 per resident — to- Expand evidence-based CVI programs statewide
- Build and professionalize the violence prevention workforce
- Establish transparent statewide gun violence data infrastructure
- Strengthen cross-sector coordination across government, healthcare, philanthropy, and community organizations
Why This Matters
Gun violence is not only a public safety issue — it is a public health and economic crisis. This report makes clear that Delaware already has models that work. What is needed now is sustained, coordinated, and accountable investment to scale those successes statewide.
When Delaware invests intentionally in prevention, we reduce harm, restore hope, and redirect millions of dollars from crisis response toward community stability and opportunity
To create lasting change, Delaware must take bold, coordinated action. Please find the link to the report and accompanying advocacy toolkit below for your review and use to join the movement..